The City Pulse Lounge introduces an authentic pounded yam and palm wine combination, attracting celebrities and cultural enthusiasts to Ikeja venue
A new cultural dining experience has emerged in the heart of Lagos, bringing the traditional village feast of freshly pounded yam and palm wine to modern urbanites seeking authentic heritage connections.
The City Pulse Lounge, a subsidiary of The City Pulse, has launched Iyan Olodo, a signature offering that recreates the ancestral dining experience of freshly pounded yam served with pure, unadulterated palm wine in traditional calabash style, now accessible in Ikeja.
Iyan Olodo transcends typical restaurant offerings by positioning itself as a cultural homecoming experience. The lounge provides customers with the authentic sounds of yam being pounded live on-site, except for pre-orders, while maintaining an atmosphere deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition.
The venue transforms every weekend with live performances featuring Juju, Fuji, Gospel, and cultural music, creating an immersive celebration of Nigerian heritage that accompanies each meal.
Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, known as Ayo Mojoyin and founder of The City Pulse Lounge, conceptualised Iyan Olodo as a bridge between modern urban life and ancestral traditions. The journalist-turned-hospitality entrepreneur explains his motivation: “I wanted to rekindle how our fathers ate yam with fresh palm wine and preserve that rich Yoruba culture by bringing back the memories of our forefathers in the villages.”
The cultural dining concept has already garnered attention from prominent figures across various sectors. Notable patrons include Chief Bestman Nze, President of Team Nigeria and close associate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Otunba Femi Davies, veteran celebrity journalist and founder of Metronews Nigeria, who maintains close ties with Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Other distinguished guests include Otunba Olayinka Ogundipe ‘Ultra’, a certified realtor, and Mr. Adebisi Adewusi (DebisiKonga), a popular broadcaster with Radio Lagos/Eko FM. The establishment has captured video testimonials from these influencers, creating additional promotional content that amplifies both cultural authenticity and celebrity appeal.
The City Pulse Lounge offers several Iyan Olodo combinations designed to cater to different preferences and budgets:
- Iyan with Fish/Bokoto/Ogufe: ₦4,000
- Iyan with Assorted & Ponmo Ijebu: ₦5,500
- Iyan with Fresh Fish: ₦10,000
- Palm Wine (100% natural, unmixed): ₦2,000 per bottle
The establishment operates on an eat-in policy, with takeaway and delivery services available for additional packaging and dispatch fees. Service hours run daily from 1:30 PM to 8:00 PM, though the lounge accommodates flexible pre-orders for customers requiring earlier or later service times.
The City Pulse Lounge operates from a strategic location inside Lagos Television at Plot 1 Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja. This positioning within a media establishment adds authenticity to the founder’s journalism background while providing convenient access for Lagos residents and visitors.
The brand has outlined ambitious growth strategies, with expansion plans already underway for Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory. According to management, discussions for these new locations are currently in advanced stages.
To commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day, The City Pulse Lounge will launch a special Iyan Olodo promotion running from October 1st through 5th, 2025. Official details of this independence celebration offer will be announced on September 25th.
The Iyan Olodo experience represents more than commercial hospitality; it serves as a cultural preservation initiative that connects urban Nigerians with their ancestral dining traditions. By combining authentic preparation methods, traditional serving styles, and heritage entertainment, the establishment creates a comprehensive cultural experience that appeals to both nostalgia and contemporary dining preferences.
The success of celebrity patrons and the growing buzz around the concept suggest a market demand for authentic cultural experiences within modern hospitality settings, potentially inspiring similar ventures across Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
Phone: 08076666044 | 08089177751
Email: thecitypulselounge@gmail.com
Instagram: @thecitypulselounge
Address: The City Pulse Lounge, inside Lagos Television, Plot 1 Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.