“The look, taste, and excitement of a bar, just simply without the alcohol.” TVM Abu Dhabi
The Galleria Mall is home to TVM Abu Dhabi, the first alcohol-free cocktail bar in the region. The TVM concept originated in Dublin in 2019 where it’s known as The Virgin Mary Bar, named after the spicy tomato based beverage that’s a derivative of the more well-known Bloody Mary.
TVM looks like and feels like a high-end cocktail bar but don’t be fooled, all the handcrafted drinks, spirits, beers and wines are completely free of any alcohol. MBT Restaurant Management, who already opened the popular Beirut Sur Mer and Raclette at Mamsha Al Saadiyat and Grand Beirut, have branched out and brought the TVM franchise to the capital.
The innovative bar is designed to invite guests to ‘drink differently’ while enjoying a menu of delicious, well-presented European and regional dishes. The concept is not only touted as alcohol-free but also as a ‘wellness bar’. While I can see how that relates to the array of salads on the menu I’m not sure that sugary faux cocktails, as tasty as some of them were, would feature highly on the ‘healthy’ scale.
I can see the appeal of a guilt free cheeky drink and watching the bartenders conjure up colourful, smoking creations is quite the show. While people may initially visit to try the drinks I think it will be the food that tempts them back. Under the direction of former chef and culinary creative Danny Kattar, the TVM menu has an array of options for all tastes and dietary needs. The bar is open from 10am until 10pm serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Highlights for me were the strawberry & goats cheese salad, the arancini balls with parmesan sauce and the Bellinis. If you have a sweet tooth try the indulgent Eton Mess made at the table.
If you are shopping in The Galleria or perhaps looking for a pre-cinema meal then try TVM Abu Dhabi for a bite to eat and drinks. The concept of an alcohol-free Irish bar may take some getting used too when most of us think of Ireland’s greatest export being the raucous Irish pub that can be found in every corner of the globe.
TVM Abu Dhabi
Location: Level 2, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 493 7400
Opening Times: Sunday until Thursday 10am – 10pm, Friday & Saturday 10am – 12am
I was invited to TVM Abu Dhabi. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2022. All rights reserved. Additional photo used with courtesy of TVM Abu Dhabi.
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