Situated in a corner in the ever-bustling streets of Al Barsha, is a cute cozy cocktail lounge named The Hungry Monkey (THM). It is just one of the many pubs in Donatello Hotels and Resorts. Clearly hidden from public view, THM can aptly be called a hidden-gem in Al Barsha.
I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to visit this charming little pub, all thanks to my blogger friend Captain Lychee. We visited on a Saturday evening, and it was rather empty but that could be due to the time of our visit, around 6:30…. I know, who goes to a pub that early, right. But all’s fair in food and blogging!!! And it was a blessing in disguise…. we had a nice time with all the finger foods and drinks sans the usual noise and ‘hungama’ that happens in all pubs.
THM is known for their amazing cocktails served in equally amazing cups. We chose to go with their signature blends and I was served a Flamingo Colada and a Monkey Punch. The Flamingo Colada is a creamy cocktail made with Rum and Malibu and fruits like pineapple, watermelon and passionfruit. It’s their take on the very famous Pinacolada and I must say, it’s a winner. The Monkey Punch mocktail is a refreshing blend of fresh cucumbers, fresh raspberries, lychee and apple juices and lychee and basil syrups. OMG!!! This was utterly lychely delicious. The bartenders here definitely know their game and they don’t hesitate to make changes according to personal preferences. Brownie points for that!! A special mention to our bartender Val, for his excellent service.
My teetotaller friend went with Three Wise Monkeys and Exotic Coconut mocktails. Three wise monkeys contained muddled mixed berries topped with soda; and the winner in this set was the Exotic Coconut. A truly tropical blend of many fruits like passionfruit, strawberry, lychee, to name a few, with added coconut syrup and cream, which made it all the more invigorating.
We were also served different finger foods, which are delish, made in the hotel itself and of good quantity. My favourite was the hot steamy and soft Fish Fingers served with Tartar Sauce. They were not chewy and had a fresh feel unlike the ones you’d find in frozen packets. I also loved the Mozzarella Sticks that had an amazing cheese pull. We also had Grilled Chicken Breast with Grilled Veggies, Potato Mash and Mushroom Sauce and some terrific French Fries. Cooked to perfection, but a little seasoning would have taken it a notch higher.
The place might be a little small when compared to many other pubs but it’s a perfect setting for hangouts with friends or for a fun ladies’ night. They have UNO, Monopoly, Spin the bottle and many other games if you’re in the mood to play 😉 The interior décor with dim lights adds to the feel and images and curios of monkeys (who else!!) and quotes all around give it an impressive look. I also loved the cute and sassy way in which the drinks and food were served. I can’t wait to get back and try their other signature cocktails!!!
P.S: Avail their BOGO which is on every day until the 28th of December 2018. What’s BOGO…..Buy One Get One, yaar…. You can thank me later 😊
Location: The Hungry Monkey, Ground Floor, Donatello Hotels & Resorts, Al Barsha, Dubai
Lizbethology 