Vida Downtown 3-in-1 Urban Picnic Brunch Review
This Cute Picnic Brunch in Dubai Will Mentally Transport You to London
Ever since the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton announced they were expecting their third child together in April, we've been feeling the British royal fever tenfold. So it's good news Dubai hotel, Vida Downtown, has extended their Best of Brits-themed Urban Picnic brunch until the end of the year when a new theme will come in.
When guests enter the restaurant they're handed a pass which looks suspiciously like the Oyster Card you'd use to get around the London Underground, but inside is a map which explains exactly where you'll find all of their delicious dishes at the buffet, from finger sandwiches (crusts removed of course) and typically English tea time treat, scones with clotted cream and jam.
Displayed in the fridge are the cutest pots of mason jar salads for those who are watching their calorie intake, but trust you won't want to miss out on the indulgent Cornish pasties and bread laid out on the table or pizza served straight from the oven in front of you.
Stay inside and you'll have trouble believing you're not in the UK but step outside to the Instagram-worthy pool area and there's no mistake you're in Dubai. For an extra AED100 per guest you can enjoy brunch in a cabana by the pool so don't forget your bathing suit. Those staying at the hotel get double beds and visitors to the restaurant make do with huge beans bags and there's an argument they may actually be more comfortable.
It really is worth paying the extra to take a dip with a Pimms or gin and tonic in hand but you'll have to keep popping inside to fetch the beverages yourself as staff aren't allowed to handle alcohol. Your best bet is to fill a basket up with bottles and cups from their wine room (yes, they have a wine room!) and take it outside with you.
They will, however, bring out the highlight of the brunch, a long platter of the best British pub-style dishes including fish and chips, roast potatoes, chicken, macaroni cheese, veggies, gravy and bread pudding. It might feel a bit weird scoffing down a hot roast dinner in the scorching sun but they're no denying it hits the spot for foodies. Finish up with the insanely tasty sticky toffee pudding and ask for a scoop of ice cream to help it go down.
Enjoy it every Friday until the end of 2017 from 1pm – 5pm for AED295 (unlimited soft beverages and juices) and AED345 (unlimited selected beverages) and check out the gallery to see what the dishes look like.
We challenge your mouth not to water!
