The Sportsman’s Arms, a brand-new gastropub in Abu Dhabi, has now opened its doors to the public.
In the first two weeks of their soft opening phase, the venue will be open from 5pm, and will be fully opened from 8am from September 16.
Centrally located in the grounds of Abu Dhabi’s iconic Zayed Sports City, the venue boasts panoramic views of Abu Dhabi’s premier sports destination.
The American-Irish concept finds its home on the first floor of the International Tennis Stadium across a 6,000 square metre indoor and outdoor site. (For those familiar with Zayed Sports City, the old Clubhouse has been completely transformed.)
Offering refined pub cuisine with an American-Irish touch teamed up with classic cocktails that deliver a contemporary twist using some of the best local produce from the US and Ireland, a quality wine list, exclusive Irish whiskeys, and a wide range of beers (they’re the only venue in the UAE to offer Samuel Adams beer), this new eatery in the capital is the perfect spot for lunch with the family, after-work drinks, watching international sporting events with friends, and an all-round good night out.
Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the venue make it a great daytime dining destination. Large TV screens in the bar area and a number of high resolution projector screens in the lounge make The Sportsman’s Arms the ideal destination to catch up on your favourite international sports.
From September 16, The Sportman’s Arms will be open from 8am until late, and will serve breakfast, coffees and teas, lunch and dinner, and a quality family-friendly brunch on Fridays is coming soon. The opening menu features traditional pub faire such as honey treacle chicken wings, USDA Black Angus burger, Atlantic cod and chips, and sticky toffee pudding.
The Sportsman’s Arms bar and lounge area boasts a relaxed and informal atmosphere, where patrons can sip on fine specialty beers or a glass of chilled crisp sauvignon blanc. Over the coming months there will be two open terraces in addition to its indoor dining booths and tables, perfect for the alfresco dining experiences we cherish in Abu Dhabi in the cooler months. The Jack’s Terrace will overlook the tennis courts and playground. The other terrace is perfect for families, and will offer an area for children. Relatively separate from the rest of the establishment, parents will be able to enjoy their food with their friends while their children play safely close-by.
The music style of the venue is a medley of the best of Irish, American and British songs with rock, pop, soul and blues hits from across the generations. Although a lot of current music is woven through the playlist, the sound on the whole is retro.
The Sportsman’s Arms transforms from a warm restaurant for a family breakfast or lunch during the day to a vibrant setting for a casual dinner and drinks with friends or colleagues in the evening.
“We’re really excited to be launching this original concept in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the capital, where guests can experience a special blend of American and Irish food and beverage, coupled with screenings of all major sporting events in a modernised gastropub setting – people are really going to feel at home here,” commented Simon Housecroft, general manager at The Sportsman’s Arms.
“We’re also one of the most family-friendly venues in Abu Dhabi. Having done the research before we decided to set up the Sportsman’s Arms, we realised there were limited places for families wanting to go out with their kids yet still keep them occupied. Our family terrace with an area for children to play and a fantastic children’s menu will keep everyone happy,” he added.
To celebrate its launch and throughout their soft opening phase, The Sportsman’s Arms will be offering 50% off food. The opening menu will feature traditional pub favourites, with a full al la carte menu coming soon, and new dishes introduced during the interim period.
For reservations, please contact The Sportsman’s Arms at +971 2 403 4235, or email reservations@sportsmanszsc.com.
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