Abu Dhabi is turning up the heat, but while it’s still nice enough to sit outside we suggest making the most of it. The newest chill out hot-spot in town, Hubbly Bubbly, is the latest member of the Holiday Inn family, so Abu Dhabi Week headed over to try it out.

We made our way through the (excellent) Lemon Tree restaurant to a side door, leading out to a ground floor terrace that has recently been transformed into a comfortable hideaway.

We decided not to sit at a table and instead chose a spot tucked away in a corner with giant green bean bags arranged around a carpet and low table.

We were then brought a welcome drink called karkadeh, described as Egyptian iced tea. We recognised the hibiscus, but couldn’t quite pin down the other spices and flavourings mixed in. It was delicious and cooling and we were told that it is good for calming the nerves and lowering blood pressure - we were feeling more relaxed already.

On to the main event and there can be no other choice than the Hubbly Bubbly signature shisha mix. In just a short time the familiar pipe arrived and we had a taste. Deliciously smooth and fragrant, the flavours in the mix escaped us so we had to ask. We were told mint, lemon for the Lemon Tree restaurant and one final flavour … but we were sworn to secrecy and so cannot tell! We suggest you head over there and see if you can figure it out for yourself. With an extensive drinks menu, snacks, pizzas and grills to nibble on – plus the air-conditioned tent they’ve assured us is coming soon – it’s not just the shisha that will have you heading back to Hubbly Bubbly.

For more information call: 02 657 4888
Anna McCormack