Cook Hall
Pub grub and rock ‘n’ roll in Al Habtoor City
For rock fans, it’s always a good sign when you walk into a bar and are immediately hit by the sound of power chords. That’s exactly what you get at Cook Hall, a newly opened gastropub in Al Habtoor City, at least on weekends, when a resident band keeps the crowd entertained playing covers of everything from Eric Clapton to Fleetwood Mac and Prince.
Style-wise, the pub itself is a good mix of rock and chic. The cosy leather booths are almost comically tall, making you feel like you’re in a cocoon decorated with cowhide cushions, while the solid wooden tables, exposed brickwork and sleek lamps keep things stylish. The high ceilings make the place feel really spacious for a rock bar, but it’s space you’ll be grateful for on a Friday afternoon, when it’s buzzing as the Westin’s official after-brunch venue.
The menu offers a wide range of pub classics, including a few clever twists on old favourites – for example, the duck tacos (Dhs70) are a must-try, with a smoky, Tex Mex flavour and a sweet, crunchy chipotle slaw. We’d also recommend the grilled cheese (Dh69), an American diner favourite given a Dubai upgrade with a generous helping of black truffle. The chefs know how to play with flavours, even coming up with a stout beer ice cream sundae (Dhs38). For a special occasion, there’s also the option to rent the upstairs area, which is cosier and more intimate than the rest of the bar, with low lighting, cool artwork and its own pool table.
The Westin, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4373333. Metro: Business Bay. westindubaialhabtoorcity.com