There are some places that are just unapologetically cool and you almost feel like you’re on-trend simply by being there.
Looking around at the stylish and hip people (is it cool to say hip?) that flock into Annex just outside The Abu Dhabi EDITION, it certainly makes you feel like you’re part of the in-crowd.
We’re not, of course, with our questionable fashion sense that seem stuck in a previous decade, but we are happy to play make believe and pretend to be cool when the opportunity arises.
The venue itself is still something of word-of-mouth gem, despite standing alone as a striking, three-storey building at the marina at Al Bateen.
The bar and club has quickly become a go-to for a great night out for many of us in the city and it’s easy to see why. Everything about it screams quality and on each of the three floors there’s something to really love and cater to your perfect night out.
The rooftop offers picturesque views over the marina, making it a great spot for a chilled night or a quick drink and catch up with a friend as the sun goes down. Down the winding staircase in the middle floor, you can play pool in a stunning lounge that wouldn’t raise any eyebrows if you told everyone it was a classy jazz bar. Then, on the bottom floor, it’s a booming nightclub where you can dance the night away and refresh your energy levels by visiting the cool wrap around bar, where partygoers surround the always-busy bartenders.
It’s the blend of the three levels that makes ANNEX one of the best nightspot in the city right now, and we don’t say things like that lightly.
When we arrive on a Thursday night the place is buzzing and there’s a brilliant atmosphere.
We take each level on, top to bottom for the perfect night out. Relaxing on the rooftop eases us in and there’s a nice chilled vibe up there under the stars.
Chilling continues in the middle floor, among the fluffy cushions and comfy chairs before we unleash the worst dance moves in the city in the club. Big beats are being dropped and it would be rude not to throw some shapes, even if it means embarassing our friends.
ANNEX has made us lose our inhibitions, it’s that good.
