Mcgettigan's Long Lunch, Souk Madinat Jumeirah

With McGettigan's pubs, you always know what you are going to get. As the slogan for their new branch at the Madinat Jumeirah boldy states, it is "same same, but different." It is almost a "copy and paste" of the McGettigan's style we all know and love, but that terrace! That setting! That view! So very different.   There is a reassuring sense familiarity that exists across all of the branches we have visited so far in the UAE, and achieving that level of consistency is no easy thing when trying to provide all of the comfort, personality and no-nonsense styling of an Irish bar, with just a tinge of Dubai's luxurious "sheen."   THE FOOD   The need to rush through your food or to sample from a never-ending mountain of buffet dishes is not a factor here, with a 3 course a la carte concept employed. Food is typical Irish comfort classics with some brunchtime favourites thrown in for good measure. Among the starters were Hand Picked Crab Benedict, Spiced Apple French toast served with Bacon, Chilli & Labneh, Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and an Antipasti platter for 2. A We decided on the Handpicked Crab Benedict and the Foie Gras Terrine with pear chutney. The Fois Gras terrine and brioche pulled no punches and was not trying to be as fancy as its name suggests. Simple terrine on toast with the pear chutney complementing the foie gras perfectly when used in moderation…delicious and satisfying. The Crab Benedict also received a resounding thumbs up and it was devoured with no time to stop for thought. A nice twist on a traditional brunch favourite.   The selection of main courses are a conglomeration of British & Irish pub favourites; Roast Dinners, Bangers and Colcannon Mash, Beer Battered Fish and Chips and Irish Mussels cooked in Magners cider. As an adventure away from the norm, we went for the Butternut Squash & Orange Risotto, but also had to stay true to our carnivorous side and also ordered the slow roasted Black Angus Short Rib with all the usual trimmings.   The Orange Risotto was a surprising hit of indulgent, creamy rice and the zest of the orange paired well with the butternut while the Short Rib was just good, honest, comfort food whilst never reaching the heights of fine dining. Perfect to enjoy alongside a pint of the black stuff.   With desert, we usually try give you the full spectrum of feedback, but on this occasion we both wanted the same thing and nothing was going to convince us otherwise. The Sticky Toffee Pudding, a British & Irish icon came in the classic square shape in a puddle of sticky sauce served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Don't think, just enjoy. Sherry Trifle, Crème Brulee and a peach and caramel Sunday are other options but we will have to return to sample those. Today was all about the sticky toffee!     THE DRINK   With either 5 drinks for AED 279 or unlimited beverages for AED 349 you have the choice of how long and how wet your lunch is going to be. In terms of selection, Usual house spirits accompany Carlsberg, Stella, Magners, and ofcourse the legendary Guinness!   For lovers of the grape, there are 2 varieties of red (Cabernet Merlot, The Riddle & Nero Davola, De Luca), 2 varieties of white (Chardonnay, The Riddle & Pinot Grigio, De Luca) as well as a Rose (Colombelle, Plaimant) and Sparkling Brut (The Riddle).   THE OTHER STUFF   The view is amazing! It's as simple as that. Overlooking the back of the madinat canal with the Burj Al Arab cutting it's imposing and majestic figure in the background it is difficult to imagine a better view from a "pub garden" anywhere. This is prime real estate and McGettigans Madinat has nailed it with this location.   As previously mentioned, the location comes with the passing tourist trade and you could just as easily be sat next to a hardened regular as someone who has just landed. This can be viewed either as a negative or a positive. Running from 12pm-5pm, the "Long Lunch" concept also means there is no need to rush here at 12pm on the dot either, with seating's available upto 4.30pm. It certainly keeps the brunch from becoming too rowdy and gives it adds to the chilled out vibe.   This is complimented nicely by the singer (The Maplejacks) who play throughout. Although we were sat relatively close, at no point was he overpowering our conversation and his choice of 70' and 80's classics was just right for the atmosphere. Inside was getting busier and busier by 5pm and this will easily become a post brunch favourite with expat crowds wanting a more luxurious Modern Irish Experience. Sláinte!     Every Friday from 12.00pm - 5.00pm AED 279 - 3 Courses & 5 house Beverages AED 349 - 3 Courses & Unlimited House Beverages To book call +971 447 0219 or email contact@mcgettigans.com