What’s on offer?
This weekend brunch, available either Friday or Saturday, is a firm family favourite. While the venue is fairly small, there’s a large spread of pan-Asian cuisine, including Thai, Indian and Chinese, as well as a salad buffet, chocolate fountain and a dessert table groaning under the weight of tasty treats. With a casual atmosphere, what really stands out is the entertainment. A house band serenades from one end of the room, magicians roam the tables and children are entertained by balloon benders and juggling clowns. There’s also a separate room for kids to play video games, join in fun activities and practice their colouring, complete with a healthy side buffet.

The venue?
Located between Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s popular swimming pool and the seashore, the beach hut-style venue is so casual, you’re likely to find hotel guests wandering in with wet hair from the pool. Bedecked in foliage, with a giant outdoor terrace, it’s got a chilled-out vibe and a real holiday feel.

What sort of crowd turn out?
Hugely popular with families, there’s plenty of groups of parents with their kids, although the large groups of singles and couples seem to be enjoying the atmosphere too. The noise levels can get a bit rowdy once the kids have hit the chocolate fountain and ice cream machine, however.

Room for improvement?
The live cooking stations are undermanned, which means you don’t always get the food you want while filling your plate.

Standout dish?
The chicken and beef satay station is very tasty and perfectly cooked. The sauce is thick and full of flavour, especially when mopped up with prawn crackers.

In one sentence…
A fun, informal affair, great for families and large groups as well as birthday parties.
Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs360 (selected house beverages), Dhs525 (bubbly), Dhs137.50 (children aged five to 12). Fri and Sat 1pm-4pm, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah (04 106 8999).