“I like to honour really good things; simple ingredients, sophisticated music and breathtaking views.’ Sergi Arola
Winter is significant here in the UAE, it marks the return of humidity-free cooler weather and that in turn means alfresco dining, terrace openings and day-to-night outdoor entertainment. The other half and I were invited to enjoy a night of delicious cocktails, signature gourmet pica-pica and pumping tunes from famed Dubai DJ Marc Marshal at the seasonal re-launch of one of our favourite Abu Dhabi nightspots, Pearls Bar.
We have always been fans of the snazzy Pearls Bar located on the roof of P & C restaurant (previously known as Pearls & Caviar), the two-storey standalone venue located at the Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri. The open air rooftop bar and stylish lounge is trendy yet comfortable, the views from the low level white leather seating are just stunning. It’s a great place to chill with friends and a must-do for visitors especially at night to see the breathtaking views across the Khor Maqta waterfront and of course the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque lit up in all its glory. The purple glow around the centralised circular bar adds to the contemporary feel, it’s a cool venue that attracts guest DJs and the party crowd every night of the week.
Two Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola was back in the capital to oversee the launch night, him and his team created bite-sized gourmet tapas from the new P & C Mediterranean inspired Casi Todo (Nearly Everything) menu to accompany our cocktails. Alongside all the various savoury bites like roasted chicken croquettes and tuna I can confess, that as usual my was the dessert course, delicious fruity cheesecake served in small glass jars.
To celebrate the relaunch of the terrace and the perfect weather Pearls Bar has a new nightly line-up of entertainment, drink specials and an exciting new tapas menu.
Sunday – Sunday Social offers two-for-one cocktails from 5pm onward accompanied by deep house, lounge and summer beats from the Pearls resident DJ.
Monday – Ole Ole with flowing sangria and tapas in a two-for-one deal while DJ Slabra spins Latin tunes.
Tuesday – City Vibes Ladies Night with hip-hop music from DJ Kaboo from 8pm – 3am (complimentary drinks for ladies until midnight).
Wednesday – Tago Mago – Retreat to Ibiza with two-for-one mouthwatering tapas and pulsing Balearic beats.
Thursday – RetroFlect 80’s, 90s and 2000s tunes from Pearls resident DJ.
Friday – Friday Rec Room Hip Hop Night – Post Brunch after party from 4pm – 8pm followed by the one and only Urban Education, the UAE’s favourite DJ collaboration bringing hip hop, R&B, and soulful serenades.
Saturday – Saturday Fiesta with latin tunes from 8pm – 3am
With its centralised location Pearls Bar is an unrivalled elevated waterfront spot in the capital, the perfect spot for pre-dinner sunset drinks, a cheeky late nightcap or post brunch party. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze, indulge in some fabulous cocktails, nibble on some Spanish tapas style bar bites and boogie the night away at Abu Dhabi’s ultimate rooftop destination every night of the week.
Pearls Bar
Location: Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Villas entrance
Telephone: 02 509 8777
Website: www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi/shangrila/
Opening Hours: Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday: 6pm – 3am, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 6pm – midnight and Friday – 4pm – 3am
Dress Code – Smart casual (no shorts or slippers allowed)
See the full drinks menu here – promotions include 2 for 1 drinks, sangria specials, 2 for 1 tapas.
Read more about P&C by Sergi Arola in previous posts P&C by Sergi Arola Launch Party, All That Jazz, Cocktails with Cihan Anadologlu at P & C Bar, Shangri-La Abu Dhabi and Review: P & C Alice in Wonderland Evening
I was invited to attend this event but all the views are all my own. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2016. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi/shangrila/