Buddha Bar to open in Dubai

Grosvenor House West Marina Beach, Dubai by Le Meridien, scheduled to open this summer, will have 13 innovative dining experiences.

General manager Pam Wilby underlined the importance of new concepts in a busy market such as Dubai. She said, “We think the launch of Buddha Bar makes a statement about Grosvenor House – we will be offering cuisine and entertainment venues that are on a par with any city in the world.”

Executive chef Patrick Lannes, who is heading up the Grosvenor House kitchen brigade, said, “Our restaurants will be a natural draw for those who love to dine and who really appreciate the experience of dining out. The unexpected but stunning flavours will set the taste buds alight.”

Grosvenor House will have a portfolio of new concept outlets, led by Buddha Bar.

The hotel’s flagship restaurant is Mezzanine, with chef patron Gary Robinson at the helm. Fresh from a seven-year tour of duty as the personal chef for HRH The Prince of Wales in Britain, Robinson will be creating a signature Anglo-French menu.

Turning to the contemporary Indian restaurant Indego, celebrity chef Vineet Bhatia – chef patron of Zaika in London, the first Indian restaurant to win a Michelin star – will offer traditional spiced dishes, with fine-dining presentation, “and without a balti dish in sight,” says Lannes.

Ottoman will be the first restaurant of its type in Dubai and will offer authentic Ottoman cuisine; while Buddha Bar, complete with its globally-renowned chill-out music and ‘entertainment’, aims to become a landmark nightspot in its own right. 

The restaurant line-up is completed by, Sloane’s, the all-day brasserie; the colonial-style Gallery bar, offering a gentlemen’s club feel overlooking the lobby; Leaves, a tea venue with a Chinese twist, healthy eating in the Retreat Spa & Health Club; and Bar 44, a chic cocktail and champagne bar at the top of the hotel, with panoramic views over the sea and the marina.

Most outlets will offer al fresco dining on terraces overlooking the Dubai Marina, which has been earmarked by developers as ‘the lifestyle hub of Dubai’ as well as the first residential project to be available to expatriates in Dubai. 

The hotel will have 217 sea-facing rooms, while the 205 apartments will offer stunning marina views, and three of the signature touches will be plasma televisions in all rooms, personalised butler service and 24-hour room service, in addition to the use of beach and pool facilities at the adjacent resort.

The top 11 floors will be dedicated to the Grosvenor Club, premium executive accommodation whose guests will also have access to the 44th floor dedicated lounge that will provide an observation deck over Dubai.

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