Been awhile since we went to brunch with the family, so we were happy to accept an invitation to review the newly launched ‘Chops and Hops Brunch’ at Gulf Court Hotel, situated along Marasi Bay at Business Bay. For those who don’t go to that area much (i.e me, and anyone else who doesn’t work or live in Business Bay), Marasi Bay is the new marina created when Dubai Canal was formed. One of those constructions that seemed to happen just over night 🙂
So we got a little dressed, baby bags packed with all the necessities, and headed over to Gulf Court Hotel one Friday afternoon. What is the brunch like? How does it differ from everywhere else? Did we have a good time? A quick rundown of what you’ll get, and what we thought of it :
Location – In a sports bar, called Sports on 44. I did ask when we first read the details for the brunch, if it was kid-friendly and it actually is. Typical of a sports bar with big screens, darts, snooker table – minus the cigarette smoke 🙂
Ambience – As we were there on possibly the third week of it being launched, it was fairly quiet. A couple of tables, a bit of buzz, not too noisy and not too packed which was good (as we were with kids).
Food – You get a selection of starters – cheese, “Hangover Breakfast” salads – that’s rashers and bangers for you :), a lamb rack station, a roast beef station – quite a simple area really. Then you can choose an unlimited number of mains from a menu of pub favourites – you get your fish and chips, sticky wings, guinness pie, you know the drill. Our favourites? Sticky wings all the way. We must have had three servings of these. The toddler loved it too, so much it was all over her face and clothes (picture not included in blog). What about sweets? There’s one – which is the Sticky Toffee Pudding, perfect sweet ending to the afternoon.
Drinks, and the damage – With the alcoholic package, you get free-flow cocktails, wine and beer, which makes anyone happy. The price is very reasonable – that’s 239AED per person. No issues with service as it was quiet when we were there. Soft drinks package sets you at 129AED per person and food only is 99AED per person. Very cheap, I’ll say.
Things that could be better? Well, I think once it picks up, the overall vibe would be better. It was just a bit quiet when we were there. If they keep the place smoke-free, I’ll be happy to bring the family back again as it is a fairly cheap afternoon with the family for a brunch and drinks 🙂 Once the crowd sets in, suggest for little things like, live acoustic? If they want to keep it a family-friendly type of place, then maybe, a small area for kids? I think it all depends which direction they would like to head – a party pub brunch, free flow drinks, beer pong, darts? So no kids. If family-friendly then it’ll just have to cater to both crowds.As always, a nice afternoon with the family. If you do go, please let us know what you thought of it.
- Chops and Hops Friday Brunch
- Time : 12:00 to 3:00 pm
- Price : 99 AED food only, 129 AED soft drinks package, 239 AED alcoholic package
- Sports on 44, Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay
Disclaimer : We were guests of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay for the brunch. Thoughts are our own, though it is entirely up to you to judge.