The location
The Huddle is a large sports bar in Citymax Hotel, in the heart of Bur Dubai. Comfortable without being luxurious, it’s ideal for a no frills Friday afternoon feed when you don’t want to worry about winning in the fashion stakes (or losing in the bank account stakes) at some high end beachfront blowout.
The atmosphere
Chilled and unpretentious. The numerous screens around the bar show the latest sporting action, while a pretty decent singer entertains with acoustic versions of rock standards from Oasis to Nirvana. A scattering of regulars oblivious to the newly launched brunch give the place a real ‘local’ feel. The perfect antidote to Dubai’s sometimes overly self-conscious brunch scene.
The food
The focus is on tapas-style nibbles, but there’s plenty of options to fill you up. Roast beef and chicken both make an appearance for traditionalists, alongside more exotic flavours like poached prawn with gazpacho, seafood paella and the ubiquitous patatas bravas – it wouldn’t be tapas without them. There’s also a desert table, and a surprisingly well-stocked cheese board.
Who is it best for?
Price-conscious brunchers who are more concerned about a good, hearty feed than being seen in the latest cool venue.
The verdict
Great value. I’m not sure I’d make the trip to the Bur Dubai side of town especially, but if I was over that side of town and looking for a tasty, filling brunch for less than AED100, I’d know where to go.
* Tapas Fridays is at The Huddle, Citymax Bur Dubai, Fridays from noon-4pm. Packages cost AED99. For more information visit www.citymaxhotels.com
The National was a guest of the venue.