A fun and lively gastropub in Downtown Dubai…

Looking for a fun indoor bar to try this summer? Hip new hangout Distillery has swung open its doors inside Souk Manzil in Downtown Dubai, opposite Ting Irie. Blending speakeasy ambience with contemporary trendy aesthetic (think wooden rafters, exposed brick walls, old wooden beer barrels and blackened oil drums), Distillery is a cool hotspot – with a similar vibe to JBR’s Tribeca – for those looking to imbibe craft cocktails and gastropub grub.

Distillery’s menu features a range of small plates (hello, bourbon chicken wings), tartare and ceviche, sandwiches and heartier mains, but there’s a pretty firm focus on meat, particularly premium secondary cuts including a wagyu hanger steak (Dhs155), and a wagyu tri-tip (Dhs165). Even the cheesecake dessert is served with a generous sprinkling of veal bacon bits.

The emphasis on meat isn’t surprising considering Executive Chef Duayne de Waal is at the helm. The South African chef previously headed up the multi-award-winning Grand Hill Steakhouse at The Habtoor Grand.

As for the drinks, while most speakeasies tend to favour whiskey and bourbon, Distillery serves a little bit of everything including a variety of wine and beer, but there’s also a neat selection of inventive cocktails like the bourbon cider slushie (Dhs70), a pecan raisin Old Fashioned (Dhs65) and the slumdog sangria (Dhs65).

Look out for their ladies’ night deal – Plan D: Ladies’ Might, where girls can enjoy complimentary selected beverages and two for one on selected dishes after 9pm.

Souk Manzil, Manzil Downtown, Dubai, Sun to Fri 4pm to 2am, Sat noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 329 8899. facebook.com/distillerydubai

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Images: Provided