Studio One Hotel welcomes a new neighbourhood eatery. We weigh in…

After the closure of The Void in Studio One Hotel, we were excited to hear that there would be a third outpost of Aprons and Hammers taking its spot. The restaurant welcomed guests to the official grand opening on Wednesday, January 12.

The venue itself is light and welcoming with Aprons and Hammers’ signature blue and orange accents found around the restaurant. Light wood furniture comes with comfortable outdoor deck chairs that give the restaurant a coastal vibe. Murals of the United States of America line the walls, as a nod to the origin of their produce.

For appetisers, we order the firecracker prawns (Dhs84), chicken wings (Dhs73) and salt and pepper squid (Dhs73) upon the waiter’s recommendation. The firecracker prawns aren’t extremely spicy but do have a good kick while the chicken wings and salt and pepper squid are also both perfectly seasoned and delicious.

We decide to go sharing style for the main courses which, in keeping with Aprons and Hammer’s signature offering, consist of various types of seafood. The small bucket of shrimp (Dhs220) combined with a sauce of our choice (we go for lemon butter) are on-point, and the sauce drizzled over creates an even better experience. We delighted in the lobster platter (Dhs298), and even go one step further with a side of lobster truffle mac ‘n’ cheese (Dhs108) – a highlight of the evening.

When the old bay crab boil (Dhs264) arrives, we’re treated to tender and juicy crab, crunchy corn on the cob and seasoned potatoes all thrown into one big pot. The accompanying selection of mussels, clams, and yet more prawns round out the evening of full crustacean delight.

We’re pleasantly surprised by the sizzling apple pie (Dhs54) and the ‘hammer time’ cake (Dhs76). Both desserts are sweet as can be and have pouring theatrics for our added entertainment. The ‘hammer time’ cake suitably features a mallet for guests to crack the chocolate coating to reveal a pouring cream that complements the sweet chocolate cake.

The verdict: Aprons and Hammers Studio One is a delightful casual dining experience, with moreish dishes that won’t break the bank.

Aprons and Hammers, Studio One Hotel, Studio City, open Mon to Fri 4pm to 1am, Sat and Sun 1pm to 1am. Tel: (0)56 238 1677. apronsandhammers.com @apronsandhammers

Images: Supplied