Bar Below

Swanky Cigar Bar with worthy cocktail list 5 Reviews

© ITP Images

The name ‘Bar Below’ conjures up all sorts of images of a covert nightspot, where the city’s beatniks and subversives take refuge. The reality couldn’t be more different. The bar instead aims to attract Dubai’s cigar-chomping upper crust; the press release for its launch peppered with words such as ‘grandeur’, ‘luxury’ and ‘plush’ (what does the latter even really mean?). And, as we sashayed (high-rollers don’t just walk) into the ground-floor bar, it seemed these terms may actually be wholly appropriate. Its dark panelled walls, golden ceiling and marble-topped bar were just the kind of details the well-heeled might find entirely in keeping with their swanky lifestyle.

All that was before we even stumbled on the set of stairs leading to the eponymous ‘bar below’. A vast lounge, it boasted cream leather sofas, inviting deep red armchairs and lots of little coves. The only thing it seemed to lack, in fact, were the aforementioned ‘glitterati’, all of whom had conspired to leave the bar empty on this particular Friday night – them and a worthy cocktail list. Despite the various spirits, wines and mocktails on offer, the list of creative concoctions was decidedly limited, and, while the barman was very willing to go off-menu, he would only do so if we could provide a list of ingredients and a recipe for our chosen tipple.

Another gripe was the grand piano in the corner. Not because it was unsightly, but because it was just for show. Instead, ‘expressive’ resident DJs (from Buddha Bar, no less) provide the nondescript aural furniture.

We wondered, between us, how the place could call itself a ‘fine private members’ club’. Then we stopped when a heavy bill landed on our table. Bar Below? Below par, more like.

Time Out reviews bars anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.