A canal-side sundowner spot that’s worth the climb…

Seven Sisters is not the easiest spot to find. Perched above nightclub 1OAK in the JW Marriott Marquis, it’s accessed only via a steep stairway tucked away at the back of the hotel.

Thankfully, it’s worth the climb. The alfresco bar, an import from Lebanon, has a sleek design with an industrial colour scheme, broken up by plants, trees and a leafy back wall that makes it feel like a hidden urban jungle. There’s lower level lounge seating in front of the DJ booth, while high tables for four or six line the wall overlooking the canal.

The open-air lounge is cleverly laid out to feel intimate, and despite being of a generous size, and despite not being full when we arrived, it still had a bustling atmosphere.

While Seven Sisters has made a name for itself as the pre-party venue for 1OAK, it’s worth heading down early for the canal-side sunsets – as well as a recently introduced happy hour that runs from 6pm to 10pm daily (excluding Fridays), offering 50 per cent off its ‘Mediterrasian’ fusion menu and a selection of drinks. Friday is, as most Dubai venues are, dedicated to Seven Sisters’ sunset brunch, which takes place from 3pm to 7pm. The four-course menu of salads, sushi, sliders and flatbreads and a fruit platter are served up alongside free-flowing drinks.

Music is something Seven Sisters does well. It cleverly switches its music policy with each night (Sunday is retro; Wednesday is house beats; Thursdays are pop chart toppers, etc.), and you can regularly catch an exciting programme of live music through the week, too.

The food menu isn’t especially inventive, but the dishes are tasty. Brie cheese croquettes (Dhs60) are lightly breaded fried balls of cheesy goodness. The California Maki rolls (Dhs80) are fresh, but the standout dish is the Truffle Heaven flat bread (Dhs80), a crispy dough topped with sautéed mushrooms and a rich truffle cream, finished with truffle seasoning.

JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Sat to Thur 6pm to 3am, Fri 3pm to 3am. Tel: (056) 775 4777. 7sistersdubai.com

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.