What
Popular party spot Media One has axed its generic ground-floor bar to make way for a funky new all-day dining spot, QWERTY.
The vibe
Clearly aimed at the nearby neighbourhood’s connected media types, QWERTY mixes a sleek, businesslike feel with some hipster touches – such as the cool magazine covers which adorn the menus. The space has been radically overhauled and expanded since its previous incarnation, swapping the old bar’s plastic sterility for warm wooded surfaces, as well as a dramatic upgrading to the outdoor area.
The fact there is both a reading light on every table – encouraging antisocial and overworked office types to keep at it all hours – AND a live DJ speaks volumes about this spot’s relaxed, functional after-hours ethos. Things were quietly buzzing when we visited on a Tuesday night, with a mix of friends catching up with each other, and solo diners catching up on emails – all while veteran DJ Tim Cheddar spun pop nuggets from across the ages.
The food
The menu gropes across global flavours and trends, as well as making ample space for sprinkles of British comfort food – such as scotch eggs and fish finger sandwiches.
“It’s not a normal prawn cocktail,” I was warned of my starter, which came instead as a large, crisp salad bowl, garnished with a kicking sauce which avoided the artificial-flavoured pitfalls associated with the dish. This spread of greenery alleviated my guilt for my rich mussels main which, served the classic way in a creamy, tangy sauce, can’t quite compete with more established venues specialising in this continental staple. My partner plumped for the manchego and corn fritters – which oozed gooey, glutinous cheese and came served served with a complimentary “capsicum jam” – followed by a nicely al dente wild mushroom risotto.
“We do not try too hard to impress,” proclaims the venue’s promotional blurb, yet nothing here disappointed our modest expectations.
Who’s it best for?
Hungry and thirsty Media City types looking to unwind with friends, colleagues – or field some late meetings in a kooky/cosy spot.
Bottom line
A valuable new after hours hangout which will doubtless prove an asset to nearby office employees, but deserves to pick up more than mere passing trade.
The National was a guest of the venue.
QWERTY is open 6.30am-10.30am, noon-midnight Saturday-Wednesday, until 1am Thursday and Friday, www.mediaonehotel.com. Reservations: qwerty@mediaonehotel.com.
rgarratt@thenational.ae
