Business bites.
Cooper’s, the traditional pub at the Park Rotana is becoming somewhat of a business staple. Set just out of town close to the twofour54 campus, the restaurant offers a comforting menu of northern European fare in a friendly, cosy environment.
Abu Dhabi Week enjoys nothing more than mixing business with food, so when it came to a working lunch, we headed across to the popular traditional pub for a not only delicious meal – but one that offered excellent value for money – an important part when picking up the bill!
Cooper’s is located at the far end of the Part Rotana Complex. Initial impressions are typical sports bar; dark wood interior, large central drinks bar, MTV continually playing in the background and sports footage showing on the many wide screens located around the venue.
It’s airy though; one side of the bar backs onto a terrace and the hotel pool area and the tables have enough space between them to ensure business conversations remain private.
We opted for the fish and chips which arrived as a huge portion accompanied by malt vinegar, sea salt and tartar sauce. The hammour was fresh and well seasoned and the batter light and crispy. The wholesome dish lends itself well to sharing – if you can bear to, that is.
Our business associate went for the Cooper’s prime beef burger with melted tallegio. They’ve lived in Abu Dhabi for over a decade, and swear it’s the best burger in town. Accompanied by black truffle mayonnaise, tomato relish, rocca, and a healthy slice of melted tallegio, the hearty beef patty appeared to be a sophisticated and filling temptation. We’ve already made a note to return just for a bite of the burger; we’re not sure it’s wise to take food from under your business associate’s nose, but it was hard to resist.
The third member of our party opted for steak and kidney pie with mashed potato and a selection of seasonal vegetables. The mash was smooth and creamy, the vegetables perfectly cooked with a great crunch to them and the pie, which comes in its own separate dish, was a meal in itself. Covered in a perfectly cooked, crispy pastry lid, the pie when broken into revealed a healthy portion of piping hot, chunky and tender steak pieces and chopped mushrooms in a gravy sauce: a definite hearty winner.
If a good meal is the way to close a deal, Cooper’s is the best in the business.
What? Cooper’s
Where? Park Rotana
Cost: Very reasonable: three main courses and three soft drinks totalled AED 261 inclusive of service
Why? For hearty main courses and a non-offending bill at the end
Why not? MTV and sports channels can be slightly distracting – aim for a quieter area by the terrace
We say: The venue lends itself well to business or leisure. Go hungry, and with good company
Contact: 02 657 3333
