Belgian Café
What? One of the capital’s most idiosyncratic bars, it’s decked out with faux-European turn-of-the-century decor, resembling the kind of place where we imagine Édith Piaf would have shared a table with Jean-Paul Sartre back in the day for a passionate debate over a few drinks.
Why? If you like mussels, waffles and expensive but unusual Belgian tipples, this place should be your first choice to follow the F1 action. The Belgian theme also prompts a good topic should the conversation run dry with your friends, that being the parlour game of naming 10 famous Belgians (quick tip: Hercule Poirot doesn’t count – he’s a fictional character).
Where? The InterContinental Abu Dhabi may be a bit out on a limb, but it is home to Chamas, the UAE’s only Brazilian churrascaria eatery, which serves you an endless supply of barbecued meat, and also Yacht Club, the landing pad for the capital’s glitterati set.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
Brauhaus
What? If it’s a giant pretzel, a plate of bratwurst or a hefty stein of hoppy beverage you’re after, Brauhaus hits the mark. The Teutonic-themed bar can’t be beaten for a hearty meal and some authentic German hospitality.
Why? With German race ace Sebastian Vettel looking like a strong contender to repeat last year’s winning performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this will be the place his fans will descend upon to cheer him on.
Where? The Beach Rotana is one of the capital’s older hotels, but it’s still one of the classiest. Restaurants such as the Rodeo Grill steakhouse and the Italian Prego’s are rightly judged to be among the best in the city.
Beach Rotana Hotel, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Hemingway’s
What? Hemingway’s is an old school drinking haunt, a favourite of expats and holidaymakers for nigh on 20 years. As well as having a Mount Rushmore-style carving of the writer’s face by the front door, the place is apparently modelled on his own Cuban villa. Bet he didn’t have this many large screen TVs, though.
Why? Not only is Hemingway’s a hugely popular place to watch all sports (finding a seat when there’s a major footy match on is as likely as England winning a World Cup), for the F1 season the bar will be putting up a huge special screen, which will be showing all the action from Yas Marina Circuit in glorious 3D. It’s so lifelike you’ll be ducking behind your chair as the cars race towards you. Probably.
Where? The Hilton is a pleasant enough stopover, but what really garners bonus points is the hotel’s proximity to the F1 Fanzone on the Corniche. If you get all hot and flustered while checking out the activities at the zone, it’s only a short jog up the road for a cooling drink.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, (02 681 1900).
Heroes
What? This subterranean watering hole is a rough and ready kind of place, where swarms of sports fans spend their weekends propping up the bar and catching a succession of big games.
Why? There’s no pretension at Heroes. The air’s full of the usual bar aromas, which, as the vast number of patrons will testify to, is clearly how a lot of people like their watering holes. It also specialises in lengthy happy hours, while house band International Playboys will be there to churn out some rock classics after the race, should you be in the mood for some head banging.
Where? Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is centrally located in the Tourist Club Area, so expect the odd traffic jam if travelling around here during the F1 weekend. But the hotel’s excellent restaurants, the Italian Spaccanapoli and the Far Eastern Cho Gao, mean you don’t have to leave the premises for a decent bite.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street, Al Markaziyah (02 616 6132).
NRG
What? Sport, sport and more sport is what you’ll get at Le Méridien’s garishly decorated bar. As well as TV screens in every corner, there’s a darts board and pool tables should the competitive spirit rub off on you.
Why? The replica F1 car by the entrance surely says enough about the credentials of the capital’s only dedicated sports bar. Expect it to be busy over the F1 weekend.
Where? Le Méridien Village is a motley collection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. We highly recommend Talay for some great post-race Thai food.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
Rush Bar
What? The super-trendy bar in the futuristic Yas Hotel has to be the only bar in the world which actually bridges an F1 track.
Why? While Rush Bar might not actually have a TV screen, get a window seat here and you’ll have a front row view of the action. Watch the cars whiz underneath you and feel the roar of the engines through your feet.
Where? The Yas Hotel has to rank up there with the coolest hotels in the world. Plus, it’s actually built into the Yas Marina Circuit should you crave a refreshing cool-me-down drink.
The Yas Hotel, Yas Island (02 656 0760).
Shangri-La Pool Bar
What? The Shang has one of the few infinity pools in the capital, which stretches out into a tranquil bay overlooking the Grand Mosque. We’d turn up to watch a bowls match if it meant we could bag a lilo here.
Why? Imagine sitting by the pool, sipping a fruity drink through a straw, topping up your tan and watching the intense racing from Yas Marina. Sounds better than being stuck in a dingy bar contracting emphysema, no?
Where? The Bain Al Jessrain area (that’s Between the Bridges to many expats) is one of the city’s premier entertainment hubs. The Shangri-La itself has some of the most esteemed restaurants in the city, while the adjacent Souk Qaryat Al Beri has plenty of superb shops and bars, should you fancy a bit of a post-race stroll.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888).
Stills Bar & Restaurant
What? Stills has the feel of a cool city centre pub, with black leather sofas, trendy light fittings and the longest bar in the capital, meaning it’s going to have to be rammed to capacity to necessitate queuing at the bar.
Why? You’re just a few strides from the Yas Marina Circuit, plus there’s a giant screen for your F1 viewing pleasure. Stills also serves up a mean steak pie and some decent fish and chips.
Where? We’re predicting many a thirsty F1 spectator will saunter on over to Stills during the weekend of racing as it’s literally within sight of the track.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Island (02 656 3053).
The Tavern
What? The Tavern has the feel of a quaint English country pub. It’s also high up the pecking order as the bar of choice for those who like to spend their weekends watching men chase a leathery ball around some grass on a TV screen.
Why? If it’s a good, solid pub you’re after, The Tavern won’t let you down. And, as it’s a firm favourite among the capital’s British expats, expect some raucous cheering if the UK’s Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button triumph at Yas Marina Circuit.
Where? The Sheraton Abu Dhabi is right on the Corniche, making for easy access to the musical acts headlining Beats on the Beach.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Al Markaziyah (02 697 0224).
Y-Bar
What? This cosy little bar at the Yas Island Rotana is one of the finest drinking spots in the city. Inside, it’s all about the leather sofas and wall-to-wall TV screens, while the ample terrace has enough wicker chairs to mean you shouldn’t have a problem finding a seat.
Why? It’s so close to the track, the roar of the engines will be audible as you quench your thirst, and it serves up some of the best bar food in the city.
Where? The complex of hotels Yas Rotana belongs to is a bit bland and sterile, but has enough variety in restaurants to keep F1-mad foodies satiated.
Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island (02 656 4000).
