Fringed with palm trees and strategically scattered comfy sofas (we even noticed the odd, trendy oversized beanbag if you fancy really letting it all hang out) the first thing that struck us about the B-Lounge was that it feels genuinely exclusive. Almost like a private member’s club – except it’s outside. Obviously. Given that the temperatures are rapidly dropping though that’s no bad thing. Indeed, now the days of hiding from the unforgiving sun have subsided it’s high time the city’s al fresco venues started examining what options they can offer potential patrons – and they could do worse than follow the B-Lounge’s lead.
The electric blue haze cast by the outdoor lighting (it’s a little akin to being an extra on Tron at times) is beautifully off-set by some amphitheatre Arabian cushion seating which ticks all the boxes in terms of an enticing, welcoming atmosphere. This warmth means the B-Lounge can function either as an ideal spot for post work beverages with colleagues and/or friends, but the way it nestles in seamlessly against the bustling big city backdrop means it could also be an ideal, albeit slightly different, spot to take a loved one.
Already garnering a bit of a buzz, it’s not hard to see why some Abu Dhabi dwellers have pinpointed B-Lounge as a bit of a hipster hangout which may well be due to the chill out tunes being spun by the resident DJ, but we’d like to think it also has something to do with the shallow bonfire pit we noticed which adds an almost vintage tiki feel to proceedings. These splendid little touches could well see the B-Lounge cement itself as the ‘go to’ open-air venue this winter. Given that the winter months are drawing in, though, it will face some seriously stiff competition from the other well established al fresco venues.
But it’s not all just about sitting around looking at pretty lights. There’s a tasty snack selection to choose from – we thought the desserts were particularly impressive – and beverage-wise the mixed menu offers enough to put a smile on your face. The traditional Brazilian blend is particularly notable for its rather hefty kick to the palate – not for the faint-hearted this one.
Rather than rest on the laurels of a stunning setting the guys behind the B-Lounge are keen to provide plenty of variety and choice to their customers. Just check out this little lot: (deep breath) Sundays are all about their Ritmo Habana outdoor salsa classes and salsa party afterwards, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays focus on chilled tunes at their self-styled ChillOut@ B-Lounge night, there’s free bubbly all night for ladies on Tuesdays, Thursdays is Reboot with all the latest hits played by a live DJ and Fridays concentrate on Jazz and Soul with the, well, Jazz ’n’ Soul night. Plus, there’s also an open mic night on the first Saturday of every month. Got all that?
So if you’re looking for somewhere that offers a bit of an alternative to what’s already out there it might be an idea to swing by the B-Lounge for a relaxing evening with a refreshing beverage, comfy seating and luxurious surroundings.
The B-Lounge at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is open daily from 6pm to 11pm during the week and from 6pm to 1am on Thursday and Friday. Visit www.sheraton abudhabihotel.com/en/b-lounge for more information (02 677 3333).
