The location
In the Southern Sun hotel, just round the corner from the veteran Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort and the Corniche beyond, Blu Sky has become a popular sports bar since opening a little more than a year ago. Packed with big screens and seating options, it’s all indoors, but thankfully ventilated enough that you won’t emerge feeling like you have passively smoked a pack of 20 cigarettes, as can be the case in many similar bars in the capital. It’s affiliated with the Abu Dhabi-owned English Premier League giants Manchester City, hence the colour-related name and decor, reflecting the club’s home kit, but fans of all persuasions – and indeed those less enamoured with sport – won’t feel unwelcome.
The atmosphere
Worryingly non-existent. There were only two or three other punters in the entire place during brunch hours on our visit, although a 1980s-centric DJ-led post-brunch party, which runs until 7.30pm, kicked the energy and attendees levels up about twenty-fold. Still, during brunch, Blu Sky was dimmed enough, with background music and plenty of different areas to sit away from the bar serving area, that it didn’t feel too awkward.
The food
The menu is straightforward and based on British cuisine. Everything is à la carte and hearty, drawing upon the bar’s expansive regular food menu, which has to rate among the best pub grub in the city.
So although there are only five mains to choose from, you won’t be left hungry. The roast beef (with all the trimmings) and fish and chips with tartare sauce, for example, both made up for what they lacked in flair with honest-to-goodness quality. Vegetarians might be left a little peckish, however: only the forest mushroom soup and the small selection of desserts are meat-free. The moules frites were the only mild disappointment from the dishes we sampled, with the mussel meat being slightly chewy.
Who’s it best for?
Brunchers who aren’t interested in highfalutin five-star spreads, but would equally like to avoid a generic carvery and trays of assorted slop often offered at pub-based alternatives.
The verdict
Everything hits the target at Blu Sky, except for the lack of fellow brunchers.
The National was a guest of the restaurant.
• Fridays 12.30pm to 4pm, from Dh155, Blu Sky Lounge & Grill, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi. Reservations 02 818 4888
aworkman@thenational.ae
