Dubai's Best Jazz & Blue's Bar - The Blue Bar, Novotel Hotel

Author John Thomas

Tucked away in the ground floor of Novotel Hotel, a little off the buzzing Sheikh Zayed Road is the opulent Blue Bar. It’s one of those perfect places to immerse yourself in soul captivating jazz music, in the accompaniment of premium cocktail on one hand and a lit cigar on the other.

 The Ambiance
With plush sofas and chic interiors, Blue Bar is every bit as luxe as you’d expect a bar in Dubai’s business district to be. That withstanding the fact that it is generally not a place to see, or be seen, but rather a place to quietly slip onto a sofa and tune off to some live entertainment and a glass of perfectly mixed cocktail.


Blue bar features live entertainment 4 days a week with different genres played out from Tuesday through Friday. The performances include Veronica’s vintage jazz on Tuesdays, Accoustic Jazz from Kamal Musallam on Wednesdays, Oriental beats from Libanista Talal & The Band on Thursdays, and Alternative beats from the Big Chill Music Unlimited troupe on Fridays.



 Our Visit
We swung by Blue Bar on Tuesday for some post-work drinks, and we were treated to some fine jazz performance from Veronica’s.  We showed up a little earlier than 9 pm and were struck by the lull and calmness of the setting. But, we discovered, it doesn’t stay that quiet always. As the clock struck 9 and the Veronica Jazz Duo hit the stage striking few notes on the keyboard, the excitement from the guests was palpable.




We perched in one of those tall pub style stools and set ready for an evening of music and relaxation.  Ganesh - the bar’s friendly supervisor darted towards us with an iPad and flashed out an interactive screen featuring the elaborate F&B menu.

Blue bar features an extensive array of premium house beverages, red and whites and their own signature cocktails, named after hit songs of the biggest icons of R & B.  Names like “Thrill is gone” from B.B. Kings Famous, Tears in Heaven from Eric Claption, “Jamming” Like Bob Marley, Micheal’s “Dirty Diana” etc shouldn’t surprise you as Blue Bar is trying to be a jazz bar in every sense of the name.



We started off with their signature cocktail “Jamming" like Bob Marley. It was a refreshing infusion of White rum, Malibu, amaretto, peach schnapps, and pineapple. I followed that up with Michael’s Dirty Diana - a punchy concoction of White Rum, absinthe, passion fruit syrup, rosemary cloves & pineapple.  Both the drinks were amazing.


Hunger was at its peak so we asked for the Blue Bar Sampler – a sharing platter of Pop corn Shrimps, crispy Calamari, Buffalo wings, Breaded onion rings, Cheesy rolls and Spring rolls.

The pop corn shrimps were large, succulent and juicy. Calamari was crispy and fried to that perfect golden-brown crunch. The Breaded onion rings and spring rolls were equally crisp and nice.  Cheesy rolls oozed with cheesiness and was a delight in every bite. Overall a perfect starter assortment. Blue Bar Sampler is a must try if you visit this place.

With a few more shots of “Jamming like Bob Marley”, we went for the main course by which time, the live music performance was at its peak.



For the main course, we went for BB (Blue Bar) Burger – their signature beef burger containing large shreds of slow-cooked beef ribs with the chefs special secret recipe.  It was scrumptious and managed to fill our stomach to brim.

We then decided to wash it all down with some Mojito and desserts. For desserts we had homemade Baked Cheese Cake and Double Layered Chocolate Fudge Cake. Both tasted delectable.

The Final Verdict

 Stuck in the unending SZR Interchange traffic or want to beat the mid-week blues? Just take the detour off towards the right and you’ll end up in this uber-cool and luxurious jazz bar with a relaxed milieu - a world away from all the blaring noise and rush hour commotion. The bar’s comfy sofas, relaxing blue lighting and jazz music, create a sophisticated, relaxing atmosphere just perfect for pre-dinner drinks or even pub-grubbing away till the wee hours, either alone or with company.



 Ratings
Food: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Décor: 3.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 9

 IF YOU’RE GOING…

Where: Novotel World Trade Centre, Lobby Level, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Hours:  12 Noon to 2 AM, all week.
Atmosphere:  Dimly lit, comfy sofas, jazz instruments, blue lighting
Parking: Valet Parking Available
Prices: AED 365 for two people (approx.)
Credit cards: Cash & All major credit cards accepted
Sound level: Moderate
Wheelchair access: Accessible
Service: Prompt, very friendly and hospitable.
Recommended: Blue Bar Sampler, Blue Bar Burger, Jammin like bob marley
Reservations:  04 3320000
Website:  http://www.novotel-dubai-world-trade-centre.com/ 
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/NovotelWorldTradeCentre/ 


Blue Bar - Novotel World Trade Centre Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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