THE hotel name might be a bit of a tester for some but the Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay’s new terrace hangout is very easy to get your head around.
SIGN ON: The writing is, rather literally, on the way at The Backyard
For what is essentially a business hotel – being located where it is – The Backyard by Swim & Tonic comes as something of a very cool surprise.
They timed the opening of their new urban-themed garden terrace very well at the Steigenberger.
With the daytime thermometers beginning to calm and the nighttime humidity easing off, people want to be outdoors.
And less than a year after this German brand landed in Dubai, The Backyard is not only a welcome addition to the al fresco option it throws a welcome spotlight on this arguably lesser known hotel.
Having sampled the very good value brunch back in the spring, the Steigenberger was already on our radar.
While much around it is something of a work in progress, with construction still shaping this part of Business Bay, the lobby is a fresh, modern advert for a hotel that has a different feel to many of its city contemporaries.
With the daytime thermometers beginning to calm and the nighttime humidity easing off, people want to be outdoors.
And less than a year after this German brand landed in Dubai, The Backyard is not only a welcome addition to the al fresco option it throws a welcome spotlight on this arguably lesser known hotel.
Having sampled the very good value brunch back in the spring, the Steigenberger was already on our radar.
While much around it is something of a work in progress, with construction still shaping this part of Business Bay, the lobby is a fresh, modern advert for a hotel that has a different feel to many of its city contemporaries.
STOREY TELLING: Swim & Tonic has a rather famous neighbour
A quick lift ride takes you to Swim & Tonic, the pun-happy pool deck which boasts three options for taking a dip as well as a generously proportioned bar with a dedicated seating area.
The most striking thing about this level is the view over towards Downtown Dubai; the lights of that, including the Burj Khalifa, work well with the chilled ambience of this prime sundowner location.
A short flight of stairs, however, takes you to an altogether alternative setting in the form of The Backyard.
The street art that covers the stairwell hints at the contrasting décor of the Steigenberger’s second terrace venue.
The most striking thing about this level is the view over towards Downtown Dubai; the lights of that, including the Burj Khalifa, work well with the chilled ambience of this prime sundowner location.
A short flight of stairs, however, takes you to an altogether alternative setting in the form of The Backyard.
The street art that covers the stairwell hints at the contrasting décor of the Steigenberger’s second terrace venue.
CAN DO: Some Backyard visitors have more to spray than others
Again, you’re graced with good views – this time across the other side of Business Bay, including the water that lends the area its name – but the layout and decoration demand attention.
Spray-painted corrugated iron clads the support pillars while the spacious area is punctuated by high stools and tables and a section of tuk-tuk next to a proportionately tiny bar.
The Backyard is book ended by a food truck at one end, serving “southeast Asian-inspired” street-style food alongside an a la carte menu, and a video wall at the other.
In front of this, a DJ works his wonders at decks cunningly situated in the front end of a TATA truck.
Spray-painted corrugated iron clads the support pillars while the spacious area is punctuated by high stools and tables and a section of tuk-tuk next to a proportionately tiny bar.
The Backyard is book ended by a food truck at one end, serving “southeast Asian-inspired” street-style food alongside an a la carte menu, and a video wall at the other.
In front of this, a DJ works his wonders at decks cunningly situated in the front end of a TATA truck.
BAR PARK: It's a mystery how this food truck ended up in a terrace bar
All in all it’s an eclectic mix of elements, but the combination of space, views, graffiti and re-purposed vehicle bits make for a very cool venue in a hotel that might initially feel very formal.
That did apply to the Colour Brunch to some extent, although the F&B boss has since revised the Friday offering in the hotel’s Bayside Restaurant & Terrace, otherwise host to the regular international buffet.
You might imagine location could be an obstacle to The Backyard thriving, but having sampled this well conceived set-up in action, sheer cool and word of mouth should combine to single this out as one of the in new hangouts in Dubai.
Precede it with the brunch downstairs or a stop at the Eloquent Elephant, at the nearby Raj Dubai, and the The Backyard by Swim & Tonic is likely to figure in plenty of post-work and late night social sessions.
DETAILS:
THE Backyard is host to film screenings, karaoke and live bands, as well as DJ nights.
They also host an innovative ladies night, Double Trouble, each Thursday and Friday with free water.
OTHER Steigenberger Hotel F&B options include the Das Café lobby coffee lounge and the Brothaus Bakery-Bistro.
FIND The Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay on Al Abraj Street.
VISIT www.steigenberger.com for more on the above.
IF you subscribe to The Entertainer, you’ll find deals for Swim & Tonic, Bayside Restaurant & Terrace and Brothaus in the current and just released 2017 editions. Visit www.theentertainerme.com for more.
That did apply to the Colour Brunch to some extent, although the F&B boss has since revised the Friday offering in the hotel’s Bayside Restaurant & Terrace, otherwise host to the regular international buffet.
You might imagine location could be an obstacle to The Backyard thriving, but having sampled this well conceived set-up in action, sheer cool and word of mouth should combine to single this out as one of the in new hangouts in Dubai.
Precede it with the brunch downstairs or a stop at the Eloquent Elephant, at the nearby Raj Dubai, and the The Backyard by Swim & Tonic is likely to figure in plenty of post-work and late night social sessions.
DETAILS:
THE Backyard is host to film screenings, karaoke and live bands, as well as DJ nights.
They also host an innovative ladies night, Double Trouble, each Thursday and Friday with free water.
OTHER Steigenberger Hotel F&B options include the Das Café lobby coffee lounge and the Brothaus Bakery-Bistro.
FIND The Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay on Al Abraj Street.
VISIT www.steigenberger.com for more on the above.
IF you subscribe to The Entertainer, you’ll find deals for Swim & Tonic, Bayside Restaurant & Terrace and Brothaus in the current and just released 2017 editions. Visit www.theentertainerme.com for more.
