It’s no secret that Abu Dhabi is absolutely heaving with new night spots – from the Yas Island hotels and the swanky new establishments on Saadiyat to the older favourites on the island, residents are spoiled for choice.
But what about everyone living on the mainland, in the lesser known districts like Khalifa City B, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Mussaffah, Baniyas and beyond? Once you get past the Shangri La, in Between Two Bridges City, there’s nothing between Raha Beach and Al Ain – except the newly refurbished Mafraq Hotel.
Situated on Highway E11 just one exit down from the Al Ain Road (that’s E22), Mafraq Hotel has undergone a massive facelift – we went along to Hunter’s for their Tuesday night Lipstick and Laughter ladies night to see what this lone desert watering hole has to offer.
When we arrived at 8pm, we weren’t that surprised to see the crowd was relatively small – the hotel hasn’t had much attention until recently. We’re here to spread the word, though.
Hunter’s is absolutely beautiful. Unlike other dimly lit, leather-and-hardwood lounges (the sort where Winston Churchill might look comfortable with a cigar and a bunch of crusty old Englishmen), Hunter’s is bright, open and airy, decorated in light woods and lovely lime. A refreshing change of pace, we didn’t spend the evening choking on a cloud of cigarette smoke and shouting over too-loud music.
Instead, we enjoyed making actual conversation over free popcorn and AED 10 drinks. For the guys in attendance, there are six huge TVs, all showing sports (gentlemen will definitely want to come along for sporty Saturdays). Enjoying a girls’ night out, we chatted while the hugely charismatic and highly talented Sam created some fantastic signature sippers – he brought over one conical glass full of a pink concoction of his own invention that tasted exactly like vanilla sponge cake. Divine!
If you’re out on the mainland, be sure to pop over to Mafraq Hotel – between Hunter’s, The Burlington Grill, The Olive Branch and more, there’s a lot on offer. Be sure to check it out! For more information, please call 02 659 6666.
Laura Fulton
