Ever since it opened, I’ve been wanting to get over to BarBary and a recent stay at TRYP provided the perfect opportunity to do so.

First up, I love the vibe that the interior design delivers. It’s very Melbournesque - a little grubby, yet still refined with a cheap sense of class and mild overtones of glam. When I dug a little deeper, I found this wonderful self quote that sums it up perfectly:

Buried in the depths of Barsha Heights, BARBARY is a by-product of the tawdry values, brazen spirit and musical energy of the neighborhood. Equal parts cocktail bar, retro club & delicatessen the room is a decorous blend of clandestine bar naughtiness with an illicit parlor feel.

The space is divided into two sections. The club area has a luxe feel to it and gets extremely busy and smokey, while the outdoor area is great for a breath of fresh air and a bite to eat. When it comes to food it’s got all the things you would expect along with a few twists courtesy of their deli section. This covers a variety of cuts from their Charcuterie, some delectable cheeses and a raw bar. You can scoop up a sampler for 220 Dirhams and get amoungst a whole heap of nice things with their Deli Platter.

For those that are looking for, or indeed in need of something a little more substantial - then there’s some naughty but nice Quebecois Poutines to choose from which are basically a stack of fries smothered in cheese and things. From there, you’ve got the Deli Counter and the Grill to contend with. Of these, the BBQ Pork Ribs (AED 74) are excellent and everything you want in a rib. Succulent meat covered in a moreish, sticky smokey glaze. This was topped with a grilled pineapple and went well with a nice little side of Broccoli, which was some sort of vein attempt at trying to be healthy.

Complimenting all of this is a fairly substantial drinks menu that is clearly pitched at the upper end of the scale covering everything from Cocktails, Champagne and Beers to some very nice wines. Having given this part of the menu a reasonable go, it was a clear that another pit stop would need to be made for food and that’s when the Cuban Sandwich (AED 72) entered the picture and it didn’t disappoint.

From the table settings to the cutlery and the service, this is what I call elevated Pub Grub.

BarBary has a lot going for it and while some of the punters may be a little uppity the staff are engaging and on point, the food excellent and soundtrack of Funk, Soul & Boogie infectious.

It’s an eclectic fusion of music, refined club culture and elevated pub grub that appeals to the Rémy Martin crowd but with an ever so slight grungy edge. It’s not for everyone and it’s not meant to be for everyone but once you get it - you got it.

Get on the good foot and be a part of it.