The Hive brunch at: Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai

The Upper Level of Warehouse. Courtesy Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

The location

A buzzing addition to the weekly events across Le Méridien’s veritable honeypot of restaurants and bars, The Hive brunch is loosely bee-themed, right down to the waitresses donning costume insect wings. Next to the hotel’s plush Le Royal Club block, Warehouse is a well-established spot that seems to have benefited from a lease of new life — whether seated its smaller interior or, for best results, in the leafy, relaxed terrace area.

The atmosphere

From chilled couples to larger groups of more-boisterous brunchers, there’s a real range of nationalities at The Hive brunch. Warehouse’s outdoor area in particular has enough flora-based barriers and secluded cubbies should you wish to take shelter from the largest tables of indulgers, however. A DJ keeps things ticking over with unobtrusive house beats, and when we visited, stilt walkers brought a touch of circus-esque glamour to proceedings, too.

The food

You won’t be disappointed if you’re in search of the usual European-leaning brunch buffet staples (roasts, seafood, barbecue station, etc), but there are a few less-regular dishes to tickle fancier fancies — most notably, a veal-bacon quiche Lorraine and hearty helpings of Hungarian sausage. The only sting in the tail was that the drinks service was a touch slow on occasions, and more than once we had to repeat an order to get our desired “nectar” (Le Méridien’s definition, not ours).

Who’s it best for?

Much like the brunch at Yalumba, two minutes’ walk across the sprawling Le Méridien complex, families with young children or anybody hoping for a peaceful afternoon can probably survive without The Hive brunch. But for everybody else, it’s an upbeat, sociable afternoon that’s perfect for the 21-to-40 set.

The verdict

Dirham for dirham, The Hive brunch is one of the best-value options in Dubai.

The National was a guest of the restaurant.

• Fridays 1pm to 4pm. Dh259. Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai. Reservations 04 702 2455