Friday brunch is a well-established pastime within the Dubai expat community and undeniably one of my favourite things about living in Dubai (or it used to be, I'm not so sure after this weekend).
Living in the 'sandpit' for almost a year now I've been fortunate enough to have tried some of the best brunches Dubai has to offer. But despite hearing favourable reviews about the Warehouse Brunch, or Warehouse Friday Drunch as it's so adequately named, until this past weekend I'd yet to experience it for myself.
Warehouse Brunch is held at the Warehouse Bar which is located in the heart of the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, a hotel I'd not yet had the pleasure of visiting, or so I thought.
As our taxi approached the Le Meridien Hotel I experienced a sudden case of déjà vu as it dawned on me I'd been to this Hotel before for brunch at Yalumba way back in October 2009 during my first ever visit to Dubai.
With the excitement for brunch brewing we made our way to the Warehouse Bar with 15 minutes to spare. Unfortunately as you're not allowed into brunch until dead on 1pm we had to wait. Once inside we were offered vodka-flavoured shots (to get the party started) and quickly taken to our table which was situated on the upper level.
Once we were seated I was surprised to discover that the Warehouse Brunch functions slightly different than other brunches I've been to. In addition to the traditional buffet-style arrangement, this brunch also offered a selection of main courses that we could order and have brought to the table. As a fussy eater with a limited palate, I loved this concept but unfortunately my excitement didn't last long. Not only did it take ages for my meal (chicken and mashed potatoes) to be delivered, when it finally arrived the portion size was unbelievably small. I ended up ordering an additional main meal (beef burger and chips) which took even longer to arrive and ended up being undercooked – not good when your looking to ward off the effects of the unlimited alcohol.
This brunch might not win awards for culinary excellence but for only 299 dirhams I can't really complain too much – you get what you pay for.
As with most brunches the time flew by and before we knew it our tables were being cleared away (we were sat on the dance floor) so that the fun and games of the brunch after-party could begin. It felt a bit strange being in nightclub during daylight hours but this didn't stop many of the (slightly) inebriated revellers from hitting the dance floor and show off their energetic dance moves.
Renowned for its lively atmosphere and merry revellers, the Warehouse brunch indubitably lived up to it's reputation. And whilst I can't say Warehouse is one of the best brunches I've been to, it's definitely worth a visit, especially if you are looking to blow off some steam.
Pros
Location: Warehouse Bar, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, Garhoud
Timings: 1-4pm
Price: Dhs299 including house beverages, Vodka-based cocktails and mixed drinks
Website: http://www.warehouse-dubai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diningatmeridiendubai
Like this review? Check out by Review of the Bubbalicious Brunch.
Living in the 'sandpit' for almost a year now I've been fortunate enough to have tried some of the best brunches Dubai has to offer. But despite hearing favourable reviews about the Warehouse Brunch, or Warehouse Friday Drunch as it's so adequately named, until this past weekend I'd yet to experience it for myself.
Warehouse Brunch is held at the Warehouse Bar which is located in the heart of the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, a hotel I'd not yet had the pleasure of visiting, or so I thought.
As our taxi approached the Le Meridien Hotel I experienced a sudden case of déjà vu as it dawned on me I'd been to this Hotel before for brunch at Yalumba way back in October 2009 during my first ever visit to Dubai.
With the excitement for brunch brewing we made our way to the Warehouse Bar with 15 minutes to spare. Unfortunately as you're not allowed into brunch until dead on 1pm we had to wait. Once inside we were offered vodka-flavoured shots (to get the party started) and quickly taken to our table which was situated on the upper level.
Once we were seated I was surprised to discover that the Warehouse Brunch functions slightly different than other brunches I've been to. In addition to the traditional buffet-style arrangement, this brunch also offered a selection of main courses that we could order and have brought to the table. As a fussy eater with a limited palate, I loved this concept but unfortunately my excitement didn't last long. Not only did it take ages for my meal (chicken and mashed potatoes) to be delivered, when it finally arrived the portion size was unbelievably small. I ended up ordering an additional main meal (beef burger and chips) which took even longer to arrive and ended up being undercooked – not good when your looking to ward off the effects of the unlimited alcohol.
This brunch might not win awards for culinary excellence but for only 299 dirhams I can't really complain too much – you get what you pay for.
As with most brunches the time flew by and before we knew it our tables were being cleared away (we were sat on the dance floor) so that the fun and games of the brunch after-party could begin. It felt a bit strange being in nightclub during daylight hours but this didn't stop many of the (slightly) inebriated revellers from hitting the dance floor and show off their energetic dance moves.
Renowned for its lively atmosphere and merry revellers, the Warehouse brunch indubitably lived up to it's reputation. And whilst I can't say Warehouse is one of the best brunches I've been to, it's definitely worth a visit, especially if you are looking to blow off some steam.
Pros
- Cheap and cheerful
- Good value for money
- Excellent service, especially in relation to drinks
- Wide selection of drinks included in the price
- Wild and lively
- Brunch and after-party are in the same location
- 20% off drinks at the after-party (for a limited time)
- Limited, low quality food
- Brunch location is a bit of a trek
- Too much fun - I forgot to take photos for this article
- Long walk from Hotel's main reception area – not great if you're wearing heels
Location: Warehouse Bar, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, Garhoud
Timings: 1-4pm
Price: Dhs299 including house beverages, Vodka-based cocktails and mixed drinks
Website: http://www.warehouse-dubai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diningatmeridiendubai
Like this review? Check out by Review of the Bubbalicious Brunch.
