The glittering success story of a Dragons' Den winner has been dramatically tarnished after a convicted assault at one of London's most exclusive restaurants.
Gbolahan Fagbure, 42, the entrepreneur behind the successful 'I Am Döner' food venture, has been found guilty of punching a manager at The Ivy Club in Mayfair following a dispute over restaurant policy.
The Incident That Shook Mayfair
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard how the altercation unfolded on the evening of September 15th last year. Fagbure, who had secured a £50,000 investment from Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett in 2022, became embroiled in a confrontation after being informed his party couldn't occupy a preferred table.
Restaurant manager Alessandro Lari testified that Fagbure became "aggressive and rude" before delivering a punch to the chest that left him fearing for his safety.
From Boardroom to Courtroom
The conviction marks a stunning fall from grace for the entrepreneur, whose business had been celebrated as a Dragons' Den success story. His company, which specialises in premium kebabs, had expanded to multiple locations following Bartlett's investment.
District Judge Michael Hamilton delivered a stern verdict, stating Fagbure had shown "a degree of entitlement" during the incident. The entrepreneur was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £1,245 in costs and compensation.
Industry Repercussions
The case has sent shockwaves through the business community, raising questions about the conduct of high-profile entrepreneurs. Fagbure's legal team had argued for an absolute discharge, claiming a conviction would damage his business reputation and immigration status.
However, the judge emphasised that "being a successful businessman does not put you above the law" in his ruling.
The conviction serves as a cautionary tale about how quickly professional success can be undermined by personal conduct, leaving the future of Fagbure's business empire hanging in the balance.
