When visiting the Peacock Alley there is one group of seven or eight people drinking their dutiful after-work beers, and that’s it. While that of course lets the bartender spend all the time he wants to debating the best maraschino cherries - it also gives the place a somewhat forsaken feeling. Design-wise, prestigious LW design group are accountable, which vouches for that wow-factor from the get-go. The true gem in this place is the cigar room though - attention to detail, dim lighting and exactly the kind of music that I wish for every cocktail bar; the Rat Pack and other oldskool cocktail tunes. Once this place sets off, it’s going to be a true gem in the upscale cocktail bars in Dubai, but at the moment it’s definitely lacking people (there’s always that fine line between too many people, where you just wish for some one-on-one time with a well-versed bartender - and a place being deserted and you dream of having more people to get into the right atmosphere, right?).
Go here to be impressed by the art deco details and bring your own cigars and enjoy the even more beautiful cigar room.
Atmosphere: 5/8
As its sister restaurant, Bull & Bear, the Peacock Alley is empty but with a smashing design making up for the lack of people.
Cocktails: 6/8
Classic cocktails with a historic Waldorfian twist - fun, but too few.
Bartenders: 6/8
The bartenders know their trade but there’s nowhere near enough people to let them shine.
Ice: 5/8
A piece of ice that is supposed to resemble a sphere floats around in the glass - but they can do better than this.