This weekend I finally got around to trying out the Lock Stock and Barrel brunch after spending most of 2016 listening to colleagues and friends rave about this popular new venue.
Following rave reviews, I had high hopes for this brunch but, whist I really loved the unusual decor, relaxed atmosphere and the venue's fun vibe, the brunch itself was slightly disappointing.
The first issue I had was with our allocated seats - right at the back of the venue on low tables with couches and cushioned stools. This seating might have been be okay for a few relaxing drinks but it wasn't easy eating with a knife and fork (Round 3) or very comfortable sitting for a prolonged period of time (3 hours). As we were seated in the VIP area we were also asked to vacate our table once the brunch had ended to make way for the evening VIPs. By this point the venue had started to fill up as more and more people arrived to take advantage of the 2 for 1 happy hour 5-8pm. Full disclosure, I didn't book this brunch so it could very well be that these were the seats that were requested, but if I ever decide to do the the Lock Stock and Barral brunch again I will definitely be requesting one of their taller tables situated on the main floor.
What I did like about about this brunch was that our food was served direct to our table unlike many other Dubai brunches that offer buffet style brunches This brunch offered a simple menu, served in 3 rounds, featuring popular American dishes including chicken wings, flatbread pizza, buffalo chicken, chocolate brownies and pecan pie. My favourite was the Cap n Crunch chicken and their popular margarita flatbread.
Following rave reviews, I had high hopes for this brunch but, whist I really loved the unusual decor, relaxed atmosphere and the venue's fun vibe, the brunch itself was slightly disappointing.
The first issue I had was with our allocated seats - right at the back of the venue on low tables with couches and cushioned stools. This seating might have been be okay for a few relaxing drinks but it wasn't easy eating with a knife and fork (Round 3) or very comfortable sitting for a prolonged period of time (3 hours). As we were seated in the VIP area we were also asked to vacate our table once the brunch had ended to make way for the evening VIPs. By this point the venue had started to fill up as more and more people arrived to take advantage of the 2 for 1 happy hour 5-8pm. Full disclosure, I didn't book this brunch so it could very well be that these were the seats that were requested, but if I ever decide to do the the Lock Stock and Barral brunch again I will definitely be requesting one of their taller tables situated on the main floor.
What I did like about about this brunch was that our food was served direct to our table unlike many other Dubai brunches that offer buffet style brunches This brunch offered a simple menu, served in 3 rounds, featuring popular American dishes including chicken wings, flatbread pizza, buffalo chicken, chocolate brownies and pecan pie. My favourite was the Cap n Crunch chicken and their popular margarita flatbread.
Menu: Round 1
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Menu: Round 3
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Resident Band: 13 Dazes
I have no complaints about the service we received, our food was served quickly and our drinks orders were taken immediately, but as the brunch progressed the gap between ordering replacement drinks and actually receiving them increased due to a backlog of orders behind the bar.
Whilst I won't say this was one of the best brunches I've ever done, it is definitely worth a visit especially if you are looking for a value for money, laid back brunch.
Location: 8th Floor, Grand Millennium Hotel, Al Barsha Heights (formerly Tecom)
Cuisine: American
Dress Code: Smart casual
Timings: 14:00 to 17:00
Price:
Pros
Whilst I won't say this was one of the best brunches I've ever done, it is definitely worth a visit especially if you are looking for a value for money, laid back brunch.
Location: 8th Floor, Grand Millennium Hotel, Al Barsha Heights (formerly Tecom)
Cuisine: American
Dress Code: Smart casual
Timings: 14:00 to 17:00
Price:
- AED 299 per person with alcohol
- AED 199 non-alcoholic
Pros
- Happy hour 5-8pm - buy one get one free (daily)
- Friendly staff
- Cider included in the original price (very rare)
- Cheap compared to other brunches
- Cool and trendy interior
- No need to leave venue in search of post-brunch party
- Live music
- Men outnumber women (unusual for Dubai)
- Very busy post-brunch
- If you are seated at the VIP area you loose your seat at the end of brunch
- Men outnumber women (watch out for sleazebags)
