Dubai loves its little secrets, especially speakeasy bars and we’ve been let in on the location of a spanking new one. Hint: go where the animals are. Alright, we’ll stop teasing. Hidden in plain sight, off the turtle lagoon, in the Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel is Blind Tiger, a glamorous new speakeasy that’s making quite the roar. Need more direction? Just follow the sound of the party animals having a wild time once it opens on November 11.
Why is it called Blind Tiger?
For one, it’s named after the nickname used for speakeasies during the Prohibition Era in the US. Stuffed tigers would be placed outside illicit drinking establishments that authorities didn’t know of and hence, were “blind to it”. Fun historical factoid aside, we’d like to believe the name is also a nod to how blindingly beautiful the interiors are and that patrons are going to have an uproariously good time.
Done up in a blaze of rich bronze, dull golds and glossy black, this decadent cocktail den is every bit as majestic as the big cat it’s named for. Plush armchairs in animal prints and jungle-themed wallpapers continue the tiger theme while adding to the sense of secrecy and intrigue that make modern speakeasies a sought-after experience.
Hard to find but well worth the trouble
The menu at Blind Tiger is also geared to be sought-after. Clever cocktail highlights include signature blends such as the Lapsang Souchong tea-infused Ox Ned and the Bt Boulevard that’s a mix of chocolate, shitake mushroom and bread whiskey. Also worth perusing is the wide-ranging whiskey menu which stocks spirits from far-flung destinations such as Taiwan. For when you get peckish, the food menu includes hot bar bites like corn croquet and triple-cooked fries, sandwiches, sharing platters and desserts.
Blind Tiger’s equipped with an outdoor terrace facing the tranquil waters of the Turtle Lagoon, making it a perfect nightspot during winter. More so if you’re looking to fully embrace the speakeasy culture and puff on a cigar – which in true speakeasy fashion, the Blind Tiger, provides its patrons with an extensive cigar selection. Impeccable service is another stripe that Blind Tiger wears proudly. We can already tell this tiger will be burning bright in Dubai’s nightlife scene when it opens its doors this month.
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