There are many elements involved in creating the perfect family brunch in Dubai and McCafferty’s newly launched offering ticks every one; Food, service, live music, activities for children of all ages and pool access – at a very reasonable price point.
On arrival brunch go-ers would be forgiven for thinking they have been transported to Donegal as they enter a traditional Irish pub kitted out in true McCafferty’s style; green phone boxes, authentic antiques, Irish road signs and a Massey Ferguson tractor. Although the illusion is soon broken when the Dubai sunshine hits on the expansive terrace and you see the pool area and lazy river below.
The traditional Irish theme continues to the food menu where sharing platter starters are brought to the table, including favourites such as Irish Spice Bag Chicken Wings and Chicken and Mushroom Vol Au Vents. We chose our main course from fifteen options, deciding on the Irish Chicken Curry and Chicken Fillet Roll to remind us of home. We also tried the famous carvery dinner which included a plethora of meats and every side dish you could ask for with the stuffing, cauliflower cheese and baked Irish Ham standout inclusions.
There were two drinks packages on offer with both including a variety of cocktails and bubbles. As Guinness and Magners lovers we upgraded to premium which was worth the additional AED50 when the Guinness is as good as any pint in Ireland. A good brunch doesn’t leave time lapsing between drinks and the service at McCafferty’s ensured that wasn’t the case – plenty of staff and the manager was personally visiting each table to get feedback and check in. We were grateful for his tip that the 99 ice cream machine wasn’t purely for the kids!
Children of all ages were kept entertained with free use of the pool and lazy river, bouncy castle, face painting, foosball table and craft corner. And the adults were entertained with live music – we think this is a key differentiator for McCafferty’s – their venues always host talented acts flown over from Ireland who set the tone and really get the crowd going. (And we are blaming the great music for staying hours after brunch ended!)
At only AED249 for the house package and free for children under 10 we predict this brunch will become a go-to for families on Saturdays and Sundays. Located in the Pyramids Building at Wafi, valet parking is also complimentary.
On a side note – the venue’s terrace is now dog friendly until 2pm on weekends and we hear they do a cracking breakfast and carvery roast dinner. Perfect for the next day’s hangover alongside your furry friend.
