10 to try: SZR

Time Out selects 10 of the best bars and clubs on Sheikh Zayed Road 2 Comments

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Cin Cin: A wide selection of wines, tasty bar snacks and super-stylish surroundings make Cin Cin the jewel in The Fairmont’s crown. Book ahead for a table or make do with propping up the bar. Ratchet up the romance with one of the bars seductive love seats.

Double Decker: Technically a “London theme pub” but more realistically an homage to watering holes all around England this bar is regularly rammed with homesick Brits of all descriptions. The two-tier venue regularly has food and drink promotions and its karaoke nights are among the best in Dubai. Turn up on a day with international football to witness the real sing-a-long splendour.

Fibber Magee’s: Tucked away off Sheikh Zayed Road, this back street boozer is not one for those wanting to sample a glass of chilled white wine as they watch the sun go down while mulling over the latest developments on the Dubai Financial Market. A lack of windows means the place is perpetually dark and dank, although in Fibbers’ defence, the closed-in feeling helps create a great atmosphere inside, especially when football or rugby matches are being shown on the big screen televisions that line the walls.

Long’s: Long’s is one of those places ruddy-faced expats refer to, with a crinkly grin, as being a ‘Dubai institution’. Certainly, some of the punters here could do with being removed to a facility of some sort, but the reason it’s such a longstanding favourite is because it’s a fairly authentic reproduction of a spit ‘n’ sawdust British pub. Expect TV football, good value drinks and predictable if tasty food.

Harry Ghatto’s: Warm up your vocal chords for a tipple and a tune at this Emirates Towers favourite. The closest Dubai gets to a real Japanese karaoke bar even has private song rooms for extra authenticity. In the main room there is no such thing as a shrinking violet so be prepared to do battle for the song book.

Oscar’s Vine Society: Think a street café in Paris, minus the rude waiters, and you’ve got yourself an evening it Oscar’s. The wine list is excellent, if a little overpriced, while well-informed staff are on hand to offer non-judgemental advice for those more accustomed to a house drop.

Scarletts: Another of Dubai’s three-in-one specials, Scarlett’s is a popular bar/restaurant/nightclub with a Dixieland theme.. It has become a bit of a Dubai institution with its young, mostly affluent and invariably well-dressed crowd spending its time drinking and attempting to strike up conversations with members of the opposite sex. It follows that Tuesday's ladies' night is particularly popular.

Trader Vic’s: High up in the Crowne Plaza lies the original Dubai branch of the cocktail king Trader Vic’s. It’s the perfect place for a party with lively staff on hand to serve a selection of mouthwatering dishes from the Polynesian-inspired menu alongside cocktails and mocktails aplenty.

Vu’s Bar: It does what it says on the tin. The views from this Emirates Towers hot spot are indeed some of the city’s best and are accompanied by a stylish and relaxing venue with a crowd to match.

Zinc: Is it a bar or a club, who knows? Zinc is one of those venues worthy of the title ‘nightspot’. There’s always someone busting a move, whatever time you get here, and the seating areas equally full of punters enjoying the scenery so join the rest of the up-for-it crowd and soak it up.