“Following the successful debut of the Vogue Café at The Dubai Mall in 2013, our second venture is licensed and has been designed with both the assured traveller and Dubai-based business leaders in mind,” commented Gary Robinson, Director of Condé Nast International Restaurants.
GQ Bar Dubai held its official launch party on 29th January, hosting VIPs including Italian jockey Frankie Dettori and professional British boxer David Haye. Canapés of miniature GQ Bar dishes were served by the platter, including a seared loin of veal with mustard breadcrumbs, roasted pumpkin purée and basil cress, and salmon tartare with crème fraîche and caviar proving particularly popular. Guests also enjoyed signature GQ Bar cocktails such as Crime of Passion and Pommie Punch, in addition to Taittinger Champagne.
Now open to customers, says Condé Nast, the modern and sophisticated GQ Bar Dubai has come to life as a sleek bar and restaurant, housed in a vast 10,700 square foot space. Designed by Bash Hesnef, the two-storey bar is warm and welcoming whilst reflecting the international spirit of GQ, featuring a fireplace in the lounge area and global magazine wall on the first floor. GQ Bar offers lunch and dinner, serving contemporary international cuisine of the finest quality. Signature dishes include scallops with black truffle and mascarpone gratin, and a beef fillet with esparregado, girolles mushrooms and Porto sauce. The refined global menu is complemented by a selection of artisanal spirits and wines.
Seehal Shah, CEO of Inspired Lifestyle, added “Bringing the brand’s unparalleled sophistication to Dubai, the bar exemplifies everything GQ stands for. Positioned in the world’s tallest hotel and just minutes away from the Burj Khalifa, GQ Bar enjoys an enviable spot in vibrant downtown Dubai. This exciting venture marks the second step into the Middle East market with Condé Nast International Restaurants. We couldn’t be more proud to bring these respected brands to the region.”
Sister establishments Vogue Café and Tatler Club are currently in operation in Moscow, in addition to Vogue Café at The Dubai Mall and Vogue Café Kiev, both of which opened in 2013. A further Vogue Lounge will also be opening early this year in Bangkok.
(Pictures: Neil Walton.)
