JEFF AND CHRIS GALVIN

Acclaimed chefs at Demoiselle By Galvin

Jeff: When we spoke to the architect of City Walk 2, we knew Demoiselle would be a perfect fit. It’s similar to our Harrods venue, as it focuses on retail. We’re also a great place to eat in between shopping.

Chris: We refused to open in a marble-walled, five-star hotel, put our name on the door and leave it at that. We wanted something that had character; that lives or dies by the quality of its offerings.

J: We make artisanal bread along with a range of viennoiserie. Afternoon tea will be served in the salon de thé, a modern-day parlour.

J: James Atherton, Tom Aikens and Gordon Ramsay are top operators. We’ve learnt from them that you need to adapt a little bit. It’s not good enough to just be ‘Galvin’.

C: Our second venture, Galvin Dubai, will open 400 metres from Demoiselle. It will be a more grown up venue opening this September.

J: There’s a lot of talk about saturation in Dubai, but I think that just drives quality. Those without a great offer will not survive.

C: Who would I have afternoon tea with? Well, it ain’t going to be Donald Trump. Probably Winston Churchill, if I could go back in time. I reckon he’d be a lot of fun.

City Walk, Dubai, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (04) 5905076. Taxi: City Walk. facebook.com/ demoiselledubai