There’s no doubt about it, Library Bar is as classy as they come in Abu Dhabi.
Sitting at the back of the super-cool Abu Dhabi EDITION right next to the award-winning OAK Room steakhouse (which has just reopened), it’s the picture of calm sophistication.
Now open from 1pm to 9pm, the lack of natural light means you could be forgiven for losing track of time in this place. And while it would usually be a great shout for a post-dinner drink or nightcap before bed, it’s just not possible right now.
Whether you want to make yourself comfortable in the wood-panelled room when the sun is shining outside is up to you, but this is still a bar we recommend.
Okay, there’s not much of a crowd on our latest visit, but we’re not here for a party vibe, and anyway, when it opens back up again ANNEX is right outside.
Like the rest of the hotel, simplicity and charm are key here. The gentlemen’s club vibes extend to the smartly dressed staff and the list of classic mixed drinks. But things aren’t stuffy at all, the music is eclectic and there are some nice twists on the drinks menu by the bar’s talented mixology team.
As is the case with the Al Bateen hotel’s other venues, British chef Tom Aikens had a hand in the development of the menu, and the bar snacks are very much in the elevated pub grub vein.
It’s an understated spot but it does everything well, from drinks choice to soundtrack to service. Prices are what you’d expect for a high-end bar, though there are happy hours to give a bit of discount, too.
The hotel’s Alba Terrace has been thriving since reopening and launching new breakfast and aperitivo deals and we hope that some of those guests wander over here to try Library Bar. Maybe with the restaurant opposite in operation again it will soon perk up, as it’s probably a little too quiet right now to recommend to people who want a bit more life and soul to accompany their drinks.
Once crowds make their way back, we’re sure the atmosphere will pick up again. However, we’ll still be making a visit every now and then to check how its doing.
Still good. Just needs a few more guests.
