OVER the years pub brand Mr Toad’s has established itself as a reliable spot for sports, drinks and a good feed in an easy-going atmosphere.
Now one of the biggest venues under the respectable reptile’s name has launched a brunch that will tick the boxes of folk seeking comfort food and friendly vibes.
Now one of the biggest venues under the respectable reptile’s name has launched a brunch that will tick the boxes of folk seeking comfort food and friendly vibes.
When UK hotel brand Premier Inn opened its doors in Dubai’s Barsha Heights it brought with it another hospitality name known to plenty of expats and other city dwellers.
Mr Toad’s Pub & Kitchen is one three F&B outlets at the hotel and the largest of its breed in Dubai.
And this lends itself well to the hotel’s new Saturday family-friendly community ‘Brunch at the Pad’.
There are options to sit in several dedicated restaurant dining zones or at one of the tables or sofas in the more casual main bar area where you’ll also find large TVs screening the major sporting event of the day.
A female singer covering a broad range of pop and rock hits roamed the venue during our visit, inspiring the odd bout of diner-led backing vocals.
And this lends itself well to the hotel’s new Saturday family-friendly community ‘Brunch at the Pad’.
There are options to sit in several dedicated restaurant dining zones or at one of the tables or sofas in the more casual main bar area where you’ll also find large TVs screening the major sporting event of the day.
A female singer covering a broad range of pop and rock hits roamed the venue during our visit, inspiring the odd bout of diner-led backing vocals.
HURRAH TARTARE: British favourite fish & chips is among the comfort foods filling tummies at this new brunch
The brunch works on a sharing plate basis with an international feel, embracing British favourites alongside more exotic fair, plucked from an “extended menu” of British and international classics.
This includes fish and chips, the white fish in goujon-like portions, generously battered and nicely offset with good mushy peas.
By contast, rendang-style Thai chicken curry with aubergine was lit up with a moreish sauce that was not too spicy or sweet.
This includes fish and chips, the white fish in goujon-like portions, generously battered and nicely offset with good mushy peas.
By contast, rendang-style Thai chicken curry with aubergine was lit up with a moreish sauce that was not too spicy or sweet.
MEAT & GREET: Roast beef with Yorkshire puddings and memories of English home cooking
Bangers and mash proves a well-plated helping of hearty food that could have been lifted by a more rugged sausage, but suited the theme of this brunch in fine style.
Other mains include roast beef & Yorkshire pudding, mac & cheese, and butter chicken with rice, all in portion sizes that don’t overfill.
All this is preceded by a cold mezze platter of hummus, minted labneh, marinated olives, babaganoush and bread alongside other cold appetisers, such as a succulent shrimp cocktail, Greek salad, and salad caprese skewers of mozzarella and tomato laced with basil and balsamic.
Other mains include roast beef & Yorkshire pudding, mac & cheese, and butter chicken with rice, all in portion sizes that don’t overfill.
All this is preceded by a cold mezze platter of hummus, minted labneh, marinated olives, babaganoush and bread alongside other cold appetisers, such as a succulent shrimp cocktail, Greek salad, and salad caprese skewers of mozzarella and tomato laced with basil and balsamic.
CURRYING FAVOUR: A dish that is big on flavour and giving the afternoon a tasty tingle
At the back end of the show, a selection of mini desserts includes a rhubarb and apple crumble which delivers the right balance of sweet and bitter, a decent slice of rich cheesecake with blueberry compote, and a light tiramisu. Flanking these treats is a winning chocolate coconut mousse and vanilla panna cotta with apple chutney.
This latest Mr Toad’s is a stylish step up befitting the new contemporary look for a hotel brand very familiar to UAE customers. It is the 11th Premier Inn in the MENA region, including seven in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi.
This latest Mr Toad’s is a stylish step up befitting the new contemporary look for a hotel brand very familiar to UAE customers. It is the 11th Premier Inn in the MENA region, including seven in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi.
SWEET RETREAT: A mix of desserts round off an afternoon of culinary comforts at this family brunch fixture
The property is owned by MBT Hotel Management & Hospitality - a division of t Abu Dhabi-based hotel development and hospitality management company MBT Development Group - and is MBT’s first hotel project in the UAE.
Simon Leigh, Managing Director of Premier Inn MENA, said at the time of the launch: “The opening of Premier Inn Barsha Heights is a key milestone in our continued expansion, reinforcing our commitment to the region and to playing our part in contributing to the Government of Dubai’s tourism goals.
“Our unique new hospitality offering bears all the hallmarks of our much-loved, award-winning brand – an enviable location, excellent value, exciting places to eat and drink and, of course, our good night guarantee – with a stylish new twist.
Simon Leigh, Managing Director of Premier Inn MENA, said at the time of the launch: “The opening of Premier Inn Barsha Heights is a key milestone in our continued expansion, reinforcing our commitment to the region and to playing our part in contributing to the Government of Dubai’s tourism goals.
“Our unique new hospitality offering bears all the hallmarks of our much-loved, award-winning brand – an enviable location, excellent value, exciting places to eat and drink and, of course, our good night guarantee – with a stylish new twist.
SIGN OF DESIGN: This new addition to the Mr Toad's collection comes with a cool urban look for sports and food fans
“We’re delighted to bring our famous British charm to this buzzing community and are confident that Premier Inn will quickly become Barsha Heights’ chosen destination for quality accommodation, great food and classy yet casual leisure, appealing to a wide range of guests, including short-term business travellers, family holidaymakers, local residents and nearby businesses.”
The hotel comprises 219 guest rooms and three food and beverage outlets, completed by the poolside Lillie’s Pad rooftop garden bar and a Costa café.
From the “reimagined” lobby area, lifts take you to a 10th floor swimming pool and terrace, well-equipped gym, plus male and female prayer rooms, and meeting rooms
The hotel comprises 219 guest rooms and three food and beverage outlets, completed by the poolside Lillie’s Pad rooftop garden bar and a Costa café.
From the “reimagined” lobby area, lifts take you to a 10th floor swimming pool and terrace, well-equipped gym, plus male and female prayer rooms, and meeting rooms
DISH-FULL THINKING: Bangers & mash are on the brunch menu and the regular list of this Barsha Heights hang-out
As the hotel dining hub, Mr Toad’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet and a-la-carte dishes available, and indoor and outdoor seating for 250 guests, including areas for sit-down family meals.
DETAILS:
FIND Mr Toad’s Pub & Kitchen inside the freshly opened Premier Inn Barsha Heights, part of the UK’s largest hotel brand.
BRUNCH happens each Saturday from 1pm until 4pm and offers three packages: AED195 (non alcoholic); AED270 (house beverages); AED295 (sparkling).
TO reserve your pad, email: [email protected]
ROOMS at Premier Inn Barsha Heights start from AED169 per night. For more info and bookings, visit www.mena.premierinn.com, call +971 600 500 503, or follow @premierinngulf on social media.
DETAILS:
FIND Mr Toad’s Pub & Kitchen inside the freshly opened Premier Inn Barsha Heights, part of the UK’s largest hotel brand.
BRUNCH happens each Saturday from 1pm until 4pm and offers three packages: AED195 (non alcoholic); AED270 (house beverages); AED295 (sparkling).
TO reserve your pad, email: [email protected]
ROOMS at Premier Inn Barsha Heights start from AED169 per night. For more info and bookings, visit www.mena.premierinn.com, call +971 600 500 503, or follow @premierinngulf on social media.
