The W Brunch, W Dubai, Al Habtoor City

The hotel is still relatively new in Dubai terms, and there are a few rough edges still to be ironed out, but these were minor and didn't stop us marveling at the set up and beautiful décor of the "W BRUNCH", located on Level 7.   We were greeted by an army of staff and led through a waiting area in front of the DJ that somewhat resembled a club lounge. It is here that the tone of the brunch is instantly set, with bouncing tunes and colourfully dressed guests mingling until our host took us to our table. Once seated, our server for the day "Alan" was quick to offer up the menu which showed us the drinks selection, but not before pouring us a glass of the fruit infused water that lay waiting on our table. The theme of Detox and Retox would recur throughout the day:   THE DRINKS   Part of the re-incarnation of the W Brunch includes a more "interactive" drinking experience than was previously available at the "Feed Me" brunch. Rather than sit and be served (other than your champagne ofcourse!) Guests are spiritedly encouraged to get up, explore, ask questions and mingle with other tables as well as the sociable members of staff both behind the bars and behind the grills.     There are 3 packages on offer at this adult playground of a brunch: - AED 395 includes soft drinks + the FUEL room + the DETOX Station and clever self serve smoothies from the fridge. AED 495 includes cocktails, house beverages, sparkling wine (Valdo Prosecco) + the RETOX Stations including Red & White Sangria. The highest package is AED 595 and comes with Laurent Perrier Champagne as well as access to #DISRUPTOR room. Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whisky, Lager (Peroni), Red wine (Jean de vignes, plaimont), and White wine (Jean de vignes, plaimont, blanc sec) make up the staples that are available at the various bars plotted around the expansive arena. The bar in the #DISRUPTORS room is like a child's playroom, shaded in pink, with couches, it's own sound system and balloons floating on the ceiling. Everyone that walked past had a double-take before entering for a closer inspection. The cocktails on offer included an Ionian Cobbler (Gin, Cucumber, Rosemary Syrup, Lemon Juice and Club Soda), Strawberry Mint (Vodka based with Strawberry puree, Mint and Lemon Juice) and finally the Brure Basil Mocktail (Green Apple Juice and Basil Syrup).   THE FOOD   We found a good choice of food options along the length of the brunch from the feast of Shellfish, Ceviche, Foie Gras and prime cuts of Beef, Duck, Chicken and whole Roasted Salmon, to sizzling live cooking stations. This is also known as the "Whatever, Whenever" stand, where you select and place your order from Striploin of Beef, Tiger Prawns, Lamb Chops, Calamari, White Asparagus, Corn Fed Chicken and Greek Seabass and the chefs cook it to order and bring to your table. The Lamb Chops were particularly flavoursome and cooked just the right side of pink, even though I had not specified. Food went from this end of the scale to a #Detox healthy food room complete with yoga mats and a fruit salad bar, with everything in between including Pastas, Cold Cuts, Cheeses and more. We were also really surprised and impressed to discover Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, which we have been searching for at a brunch for a long time. The crispy skin contrasted perfectly with their light, fluffy interior....delicious.     Now we headed across to the dessert section, presented under an ethereal draping of chromed "upside down" teacups that glistening against strategically placed lightbulbs, both vibrant and colourful to match the cupcakes they were meant to showcase. Rows of neon eclairs and an abundance of larger cakes were also on display, including the classic Cheese Cake and Red Velvet to satisfy the most conventional of sweet tooth's. There is even a Gelato station perfectly nestled amongst the alluring sweetness. Along the top of the dessert counter sat jars of traditional "pick N mix" sweeties with all the old favorites, along with the donuts that captured the attentions of Mrs B long before we had even considered dessert. Think of the perfect companion for Homer Simpson. A ringed doughnut...perfect shades of yellow, pink and blue, nestled perfectly atop their chrome stands and filled surprisingly with a molten jam interior! They were naughty, but so absolutely amazing! Mmmmmmm....Doughnuts.   Lasting impressions of the spread would be that while it is vast, it certainly is not un-manageable.     THE OTHER STUFF   A #Retox mixology station, a room full of champagne for those #Disruptors in the party room; the W brunch sets out to fulfil your culinary fantasies while enjoying the latest vibes from the resident Music Curator on the decks.   The brunch is comprised of lots of very well dressed people, with the majority appearing to be in thier late 20's, early 30's, and the rest being made up of both young couples and groups. A large amount of those we classify as more "distinguished" (late 40's, early 50's) but with a vibe, appetite to party and dress sense to match and on occasion out-do anyone from the younger demographics. The classy selection of food & drinks, along with the decor and ambiance of the hotel itself mean that no matter who or what the guests looked like, they found it perfectly acceptable to have a "bloomin" good time. It is a naughtier, albeit slightly more cultivated party brunch when compared with a few others out there on the brunch scene.     Although there were a few children in attendance, we wouldn't exactly term this a "kid-friendly" brunch, unless you are referring to big kids ofcourse. We have never seen a multi coloured room full of balloons, music and with its own bar create such a stir with fully grown adults.   The W brunch has the 5 star feel, the décor, the ambiance, the food, drinks and the after party venue of the Wet Deck that really stands out from the crowd. On our particular visit, the Wet Deck was hosted by "Corona Sunsets." We better let the big names on the brunch scene know, there is a new player in town!   #SAVE 20% EXCLUSIVELY WITH LETS BRUNCH   #Repeat after a week and enjoy 35% of your visit!   Every Friday from 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm - AED 395 incl. soft drinks + FUEL room,+ DETOX Station - AED 495 incl. cocktails & house beverages +RETOX Stations - AED 595 incl. free flowing bubbly and access to #DISRUPTOR room   +97144366677 Level7.Dubai@whotels.com