Dragons’ Den star Ross Mendham punched Ivy restaurant manager over 'poor quality service'

An entrepreneur who won a massive investment on BBC show Dragons’ Den punched a restaurant manager in a row over 'poor quality service', a court has been told. Ross Mendham, 41, was also caught with cocaine during his arrest.

The ex-body builder businessman won a £60,000 investment from Peter Jones for his Norfolk food business Bare Naked Foods on the hit TV show in 2013. Jones secured 50% of the low-carb pasta, rice and noodles brand, which uses the Asian-grown Konjac plant in its products. They have since been sold in supermarkets including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court heard police were called to The Ivy in Norwich, Norfolk, on July 22, where Mendham was also caught with cocaine. Stuart Cowen, prosecuting, said restaurant staff attempted to restrain Mendham when he lashed out.

While he was being removed after being arrested, police officers noticed a small plastic bag containing white powder falling to the floor. Mendham, of Sorrel Grove in Cringleford, Norfolk, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and assault.

David Foulkes, mitigating, said he had been dining alone when he had become aggrieved over what he “felt was poor service”. Assistant manager Connor Humpleby had been struck with a “single blow” after he tried to intervene in an argument with staff. Mr Foulkes added: “He is very sorry to the person he struck.”

The court was told he still earns thousands every month from being a director of the firm though he is no longer involved in running it. Magistrates fined him £373 and ordered he pay £282 costs.

Mendham is also due to stand trial in 2026 for allegedly punching his 32-weeks-pregnant partner in the face during a violent argument. He has pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm regarding the incident in December 2023.

Last year Mendham was a passenger when his £100k Ferrari F430 spun out of control and crashed on Rose Lane in Norwich city centre. Joey Baptiste, who was at the wheel, was fined but kept his driving licence despite having totted up 13 points.