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“Good Food. Good Drinks. Good Fun.” Hamilton’s Gastropub

The second wave of dining outlets are now open at the new beachfront destination, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. Once fully operational the huge resort will offer a total of seven dining options for in-house guests and visitors. Joining the already open Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, Sim Sim all-day dining and Sama Lobby Lounge is Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar and Hamilton’s Gastropub.

The gastropub concept is one much favoured in the UK and US, Hamilton’s is capitalising on that concept by offering guests a selection of international beverages accompanied by a menu of upmarket British and American hearty pub grub. While the venue, with its high ceilings and capacious feel, isn’t exactly offering that cosy British pub vibe it’s a good place to grab pre or post dinner drinks, a casual bite to eat or night out with friends.

The modern venue has a small outdoor terrace and plenty of indoor seating. Sections of exposed brick, slogan emblazoned blackboards and wooden barrels give it that pub feel. The large centralised well-stocked bar adorned with on-trend rose gold accessories is the venue’s main feature. In true gastro pub form burgers, bangers (sausages) & mash, chicken wings, fish and chips and loaded fries all make an appearance on the menu. Looking for that familiar taste of home? Brits will enjoy the scotch egg and I’m sure American guests will appreciate the beef brisket and pulled bbq chicken sandwich.

Watch out for the milkshakes as they are alcoholic, the Nutella version with baileys definitely caught my eye. Caffeine lovers may like the six different coffees with a kick, with favourites such Irish coffee with a tot of whiskey or the Italian with a shot of amaretto. Alongside the range of beers and wines there’s an extensive range of whiskies, alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixology, sangrias and a daily happy hour from 4pm – 8pm.

As the first Italian restaurant to open on Saadiyat island there has been much interest in Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar and what it offers in terms of traditional cuisine. As a big fan of said cuisine I was excited to try the new menu in this spacious venue that’s located in the same vicinity of Hamilton’s and Sim Sim. First impressions were good, there’s plenty of vegetarian options and the hand stretched pizzas were top notch which is not surprising considering the high-tech take on the traditional pizza oven.

The menu is quite frankly overwhelming, it’s huge and offers every possible Italian dish I have ever heard of and more. There’s plenty of appetisers to choose from along with salads, signature freshly made pastas, gnocchi and risotto, as well as ‘build your own’ meat and cheese boards. As a cheese loving veggie. I’m particularly excited to go back and try the mozzarella bar (Dalla Mozza Bar), a whole section of the menu dedicated to different ways to enjoy this Italian delight. While there’s plenty of authentic meat and seafood options like beef carpaccio and tartare, veal, mussels, calamari and so much more, true steak fans however are probably best to stick to Turtle Bay Bar & Grill (read more about that here).

If like me, you’re a dessert person, then Si offers lots of yummy sweet treats; tiramisu of course, cannoli with sweetened ricotta, gelato and the more unusual chocolate & aubergine tart. Finish up in true Italian fashion with a liqueur, a dessert cocktail or a specialty coffee. The restaurant is another vast space yet retains an authentic feel with it’s dark wood furniture, central patterned tiled floor, pizza oven and Italian accessories. There’s a separate bar area to grab a drink before and after your meal.

This luxury resort nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf will be fully operational once summer is over. Nasma Beachfront Bar at the beach club will offer a menu of sushi, ceviches, sharing plates and signature cocktails and the cooler weather will also see the opening of Turtle Bay Bar & Grill’s rooftop terrace, two great reasons for future visits.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas

Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 697 0000

E-mail: saadiyat.resort@rotana.com

Website:www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/saadiyatrotanaresortandvillas

Ramadan Dining – Iftar will be served at Sim Sim all-day dining restaurant during the Holy Month from sunset to 10pm for AED 209 per person (AED 104 per child 6-12 years old). Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT.

I was invited to the media launch of Hamilton’s Gastro Pub and Si Italian Ristorante and Bar. Unless otherwise stated, all views and photos on this page © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

Read more about Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in previous post Turtle Bay Bar & Grill | Saadiyat Resort % Villas

Read more about Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi in previous posts Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Park Rotana and Yas Island Rotana

Read more about Rotana Hotels in Bahrain in previous posts Downtown Rotana | Manama, Bahrain and Art Rotana | Amwaj Islands, Bahrain