“For a true taste of home, The Scene is the ultimate gastro pub experience serving British classics with a retro twist.” The Scene by Simon Rimmer
This privileged existence that we call expat living does lack a few basic things from home, one that I miss a lot is a good old British pub roast with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings swimming in gravy. I’m pleased to report that this weekly tradition offered in pubs and homes across the UK is now available in all its glory at The Scene by Simon Rimmer at Yas Marina. In fact it’s so tasty we have been four times for roasts alone since it opened in late November.
If you are a fan of British TV cooking shows you will recognise the name Simon Rimmer as the chef from the popular cooking and chat show, Sunday Brunch. This cheeky Liverpudlian can be seen on your telly whipping up dishes with celebrity guests alongside fellow host Tim Lovejoy on a weekly basis. Rimmer opened The Scene in Pier 7, Dubai back in 2014, we have visited many times so were excited (well I was) that a sister venue opened just five minutes from our house in Yas Marina.
Back to the roast, for just AED 99 you can enjoy giant yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese, red cabbage, ponchmipe (mashed potato & swede), parsnips and roast potatoes with your choice of beef, chicken, lamb or nut roast accompanied by a mini jug of gravy, are you salivating yet? Supersize your dinner for small additional fee and pair it with a pint or bottle of plonk for that perfect ‘British’ weekend experience. It’s not all about the roasts either because The Scene’s seasonal menu is bursting with hearty pub grub to suit all occasions from comfort food like chip butties and cheesy chips with gravy to the more fancy mussels and sirloin steaks.
My personal favourite is the veggie fish and chips, deep fried halloumi (the ‘fish’) served with real chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. I have been several times and cannot order anything else although there are other veggie options such as a weekly changing risotto and curries. A new edition to the menu is weekend breakfast served from 10am – noon on Fridays and Saturdays. Choose from crushed avocado on sourdough toast topped with an egg, short rib benedict or a (veal) bacon butty with prices starting from just AED 29.
The Scene has dining and drinks deals throughout the week to tickle your fancy all day, every day. Why not try the two-course Business Lunch served on weekdays for just AED 75 with signature dishes or grab a sandwich with a soup, chips or salad for just AED 49. Monday night is Argy Bhaji Curry Night where diners can choose curry and a beer for just AED 99. Lamb Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken or a veggie friendly roasted cauliflower katsu, all served with rice and chips and paired with a bottle of Kingfisher is sure to spice up your week. Memories of our local local high-street Indian after a few bevvies on a Saturday night spring to mind.
Flashback Ladies Night every Wednesday gives all the gals unlimited free drinks for two hours from 5pm when dining from a set menu, expect old school hits and retro cocktails galore. Daily happy hours from Sunday through to Thursday start at 3pm until 8pm with cocktails, beers and wines starting from a very reasonable AED 25. Friday’s deal is two courses for AED 99 and visit the bar for the Tab Weekender every Friday and Saturday from midday until late, five drinks for just AED 125. The children haven’t been left out either with a dedicated kids menu served daily from noon – 9pm (2 courses AED 45, 3 for AED 55) offering delights such as baked beans on sourdough toast, fish goujons and ice-cream.
This waterfront gastropub is a relaxed affair, where pallets and red checked napkins sit alongside comic book covered walls and a randomn old school red telephone box. Strains of karaoke stream through the walls from neighbouring bar Mr Miyagi’s but not enough that it’s obtrusive. Service can be a bit hit and miss at times but the taste of home outweighs the odd serving mishap and delays.
Rimmer was in the capital last weekend as part of Marina Weekender, the Yas Marina Festival that saw The Scene, Mr. Miyagi’s and Casa da Cuba offered two entertainment filled weekends. Rimmer was on hand for meet & greets and although he was within touching distance I didn’t get to meet him on this occasion as he dined with fellow TV chef Tom Kerridge and his family.
Roasts are served on Saturday’s (our Sunday if you like) and Sunday’s from midday. They may be lacking green veg but otherwise they are spot on especially when followed by an apple crumble with custard or sticky toffee pudding. For me it’s the best roast in the capital and I am and will continue to be a regular customer, if you haven’t already give this establishment with a view a visit then I suggest a visit for some classic pub grub.
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
Location: Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 04 422 2328
E-mail: eat@thesceneauh.com
Website: www.thesceneauh.com/
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday noon – 11:00pm, Thursday noon – 1:00am, Friday 10:00am – 1:00am and Saturday 10:00am – 11:00pm
All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved. Additional images used with courtesy of www.thesceneauh.com