by Alexander James
Remember the time London had places open later than 1am? One of the restaurants at the helm was Duck and Waffle, and it’s now set to open its first premises outside the UK, in Dubai, by the founder of Sushi Samba.
CBH Hospitality announces its first venture in Dubai, as they strive to bring strong, well-known restaurant brands with a heritage to the city. The first venue to be revealed is Duck & Waffle, one of London’s most beloved hotspots, which will officially open in Dubai this November in a 10,000 sqm space, sure to be a hit with the global yachting scene.
It looks set to redefine the region’s dining scene with a blend of modern British and American cuisines, Duck & Waffle is a culinary haven that boasts a buzzy atmosphere where guests can indulge in inventive cocktails and its playful take on comfort food.
The restaurant is famed for its Duck and Waffle dish, which has now sold over two million dishes globally. It features a crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup.
“Dubai for me is one of the most exciting cities on this planet. Its diverse culinary scene and vibrant culture make it the perfect city for our next Duck & Waffle adventure as we look to expand our wings overseas,” states Shimon Bokovza, CEO and founder of Duck & Waffle. Bokovza also founded the global hospitality brand SUSHISAMBA.
Duck & Waffle is being introduced to Dubai by CBH Hospitality Group, helmed by CEO Hadi Aknin and his partner Berton Grup. Aknin, who most recently ran famed private members club Annabel’s in London, previously served as Director of Operations at Duck & Waffle in London, forging a uniquely personal relationship with the iconic restaurant brand.
CBH Hospitality plans to maintain the essence of the restaurant while simultaneously enhancing their appeal to a new audience. “We are honoured to introduce Duck & Waffle to the Middle East,” says Aknin. “While we’re committed to upholding the original tenants of what make Duck & Waffle such a brilliant and unique brand, we’re equally excited to shape its distinct presence in Dubai, taking it to new heights.”
Duck & Waffle Dubai offers a 360-degree, walk-around ‘chef’s bar’ where clever libations take centre stage. Embodying the playful nature of the brand, Duck & Waffle cocktails embrace both tradition and whimsy, a juxtaposition of nostalgic, classic mixology and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Catapulting guests to new visual heights is a Duck & Waffle brand tenet. Upon arrival in the Dubai locale, visitors will be drawn to a central, radiant dome that serves as the focal point within the main restaurant. A huge, perforated metal tree surrounded by lush greenery will frame iconic views of the Burj Khalifa. The venue will also feature a unique greenhouse dining area with a covered pergola, creating a cosy daytime setting that will transform into a lively atmosphere after sunset. Designed by award-winning NYC-based design firm ICRAVE, other highlights of the 10,000-square-foot space include an open kitchen and thoughtful architecture designed to effortlessly convey the space from day to night.