It’s the view from the five-star Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara’s signature bar that first draws you in. The vast Mangrove National Park rises from the water, with our seats perched by the floor-to-ceiling windows and beside the 360-degree bar offering a perfect view of the protected aquatic forest. Look inside and it’s just as impressive – plush sofas, modern décor and a dramatic bar area, with lighting that changes depending on the evening’s vibes leaves us feeling rather enamoured of the chic night spot.
Sure, it might not get as busy as other places in the capital, but that adds to the charm. You’re not fighting for the servers’ attentions and the crowd doesn’t get too rowdy – it’s the kind of place to catch up with your more refined friends for a classy evening out.
The food focuses on gourmet versions of bar food classics, such as nachos, beef sliders, fritto misto and a pint of prawns on ice, plus regional snacks including the pickle-loaded chicken shawarma roll.
The dessert menu is limited – not surprising for a bar – but still the Oreo cheesecake is a winner. We recommend heading over on a Tuesday evening, however, for the lounge’s cheese and grape night – where a selection is available for Dhs100 per person, giving you a whole four hours to ravish wheels of stilton, brie and sharp cheddar.
Whether it’s for a ladies’ night or after-work drinks at sundown, for camembert or bar bites, Impressions is something of a hidden gem in the capital for chilled-out evenings that take advantage of its impressive view.
The bottom line
We like the impression this rooftop lounge leaves us with.
