You might not have been before, but you’re going to want to after this…

Think you know your way around all the bars in Dubai? We’re here to tell you that you probably don’t. While Dubai might be full of glitzy bars, popular pubs and thriving night spots, what about the lesser-known spots?

From Gentleman’s clubs to Palm bars with stunning views and a beautiful speakeasy, here are six secret bars in Dubai you need to add to your bucket list.

Poppy

David Myers, also known as the Gypsy Chef, opened two restaurants in Business Bay last year, but what you probably didn’t know, is you’ll also find a speakeasy-style bar above one of his venues. Poppy is tucked away above his Italian restaurant, Basta!, and has had its menu masterminded by Sam Ross, the master mixologist behind New York’s award-winning Milk & Honey. It’s a cosy bar with a unique cocktail menu, that’s busiest on Thursdays post-work.

Poppy by David Myers, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, daily from 7pm. Renaissance-hotels.marriott.com

Above 21

FIVE has firmly established itself as a lively homegrown hotel thanks to its packed out Thursday house nights and Saturday ladies’ day at Penthouse, popular ladies’ day at Praia and value staycay resident rates. But it’s also home to another bar – Above 21. Split over two floors, the big focus here is cigars and whiskeys, with a whole host of premium and rare offerings of both available. While the lower floor on level 13 of the hotel is open to all, level 14 is a members-only space, featuring a walk-in humidor.

Above 21, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 2pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 455 9989. Fivehotelsandresorts.com

Churchill Club

Located at the top of the Four Seasons in DIFC (up the stairs from Luna Sky Bar) you’ll find the Churchill Club. Modeled on a typical Gentleman’s club from years gone by, it’s a dimly lit bar of moody hues, cushy sofas, retro prints and a whiskey offering to rival most bars in Dubai.

Churchill Club, Four Seasons, Gate Village, DIFC, 5pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 506 0000. fourseasons.com

Makar

Located in the Radisson Blu in Business Bay (which is also home to super club Gotha), Makar is a cushy bar that takes inspiration from the highlands of Scotland. Another whiskey and cigar style set up, this is a lot more subtle about it than a lot of cigar lounges, and also has a varied bar bites menu that includes oysters, haggis and fish and chips.

Makar, Radisson Blu Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Canal, daily 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 249 7800. Radissonblu.com

Look Up

It’s easy to forget about La Ville hotel. Flying the flag as the only hotel in City Walk, this boutique property is somewhat of a hidden gem in a line-up of dwarfing skyscraper hotels. But you really shouldn’t forget about it. Especially as its rooftop pool bar, Look Up, is one of the city’s best hidden gems. With Burj views, a daily happy hour, shisha service and night swim pool passes – it’s a great option whatever time of day you’re visiting.

Look Up, La Ville Hotel, City Walk, daily 10am to 1am. Tel: (054) 309 5948. livelaville.com

Seventy Seventy

Part of the recent The Promenade development, Seventy Seventy is easy to miss while you’re admiring the stunning views across the Dubai Creek from the strip of Park Hyatt bars and restaurants. But you shouldn’t overlook it, the aptly named bar is kitted out in full seventies gear, and serves up an extensive list of signature cocktails as well as a top menu of bar bites.

Seventy Seventy, The Promenade, Park Hyatt, Dubai Creek, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 602 1814. hyatt.com

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