Brunch review: ROKA in Dubai

Singing princesses, bouncy castles and endless trips to the chocolate foundation. Yes, (some) family brunches in Dubai go big with the sparkle.
But for the times when you're after a leisurely lunch with top-notch food and not a French fry in sight – there's ROKA.
The Saturday 'family brunch' at this excellent Japanese restaurant not only brings out top-quality plates, but it has an added bonus. The fact that kids under seven are free, which only adds to the appeal. An ideal pick for the mini foodies in your life.
Although suitable for families, there are also couples and groups dining, all enjoying sushi, robata and more, so don't expect a kid-centric session.
ROKA, which comes from the brains behind Zuma, has a similar brunch concept to its big sister – just on a smaller scale. There's a buffet for starters, while mains and dessert are brought to the table. It's all freshly prepared and of brilliant quality.
(Credit: ROKA)
Take a seat on the sprawling terrace and marvel at the glittering Burj Khalifa view while you nibble on edamame to get the afternoon started. Popping those pods is a fun way of the kids getting their greens.
Mosey to the buffet and get stuck in. The starter selection ranges from salads to robata and a range of maki, nigiri, sashimi and more. It's all moreish and delicious, with top picks being the super fresh sushi as well as tasty yakisoba noodles with mushrooms and hoisin, as well as a tangy corn salad with shiso-lime vinaigrette. Make as many trips as you like before diving into a main.
Dishes include jumbo prawn with Japanese hollandaise and yuzu (a zingy yet indulgent bite), braised beef cheek (rich and satisfying) and more – while you can upgrade to premium robata like black cod if you feel the urge.
Tiny brunchers have their choice of a perfectly grilled salmon fillet or chicken and rice. It's wolfed down (or at least as fast as is possible when determinedly practising chopstick use).
When the little ones get restless there's a petite kids' area next to the buffet with a selection of toys, plus balloon bending and face painting, which is some of the most artistic we've seen. It's safe to say they'll be occupied having a blast until dessert.
(Credit: ROKA)
A beautiful platter piled high with exotic fruit, lychee and cherry sorbets, Japanese cheesecake and more graces your table before you know it. It's a massive hit with brunchers of all ages as spoons fly and your napkin becomes the MVP.
The vibe is buzzing thanks to a live DJ and everyone's dressed in their best, making it stylish afternoon outing.
For food-loving families the draw of this brunch is strong. Black cod, Burj views and balloon bending? What's not to love on Saturday afternoon? Mini brunch pros in the making, we say.
Dhs445 (house beverages), Dhs585 (premium beverages), Dhs295 (soft drinks).

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Edinburgh Live

2 hours ago

• Edinburgh Live

Edinburgh celebrity chef reveals how he deals with 'difficult customers'

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh celebrity chef who has served members of the royal family has revealed how he deals with "difficult customers" after years in the restaurant industry. Tom Kitchin runs The Kitchen, a Michelin-starred eatery in Leith, serving gourmet British cuisine inspired by French cooking techniques. The celebrity chef also operates The Scran & Scallie in Edinburgh and Bonnie Badger in Gullane. Another eatery, Kora, previously on Bruntsfield Place, closed earlier this year. Tom has even launched a frozen food line available in Home Bargains. He and his wife Michaela run the restaurants and Tom recently shared what makes the Kitchin so successful. In a video posted to his Instagram, Tom shared tips and tricks on running his Edinburgh culinary empire, including details on some of the celebrities that have passed through the doors. He also opened up on how to deal with "difficult" customers. Tom shared a memorable moment from when he and Michaela first launched The Kitchen. He said: "The one thing I always remember is that first time Michaela took the phone and she said 'I'm very sorry, we're full. Would you like to be put on the waiting list?' That was a big moment." When asked his favourite person that had been in the restaurant, Tom said: "We've had royals, we've had movie stars, we've had David Beckham, all sorts of people. But really I'm a football man and when Kenny Dalglish offered to pull the first pint in our pub, that for me was really the best." Tom also revealed how he and Mikaela deal with more unruly diners. He said: "How did we deal with difficult customers when we first started? That was really difficult for me. Fortunately, I had Mikaela with me who is very good at dealing with difficult customers and she'd go out and fix it for me. The Kitchin, located at 78 Commercial Quay in Leith, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm–2:30pm and 6pm–10pm. You can find more information about the restaurant here. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community her eand get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Wales Online

9 hours ago

• Wales Online

This laid-back harbour town has dolphin views and lush seafood worth the drive

This laid-back harbour town has dolphin views and lush seafood worth the drive Come for the wildlife stay for the incredible food scene This small harbour town is a surprising goldmine for marine life-watching on the Pembrokeshire coast. (Image: Portia Jones ) Looking for a wildlife hotspot on the glorious Welsh coastline? The small harbour town of Fishguard is a surprising goldmine for marine life-watching on the Pembrokeshire coast. From the shoreline between Poppit and Strumble, porpoises slice through the waves with astonishing regularity. Dolphins aren't shy either; they're often spotted between Poppit and Fishguard, sometimes venturing right into the harbour or Newport Bay for a splashy appearance. Seals? They're adorable local celebs during pupping season when chunky pups haul out onto public beaches for a well-earned rest. ‌ Head to Strumble Head for one of Sea Trust Wales' porpoise watches and get clued up by local experts. Just down the road, their Ocean Lab visitor centre, near Fishguard and Goodwick station, lets you observe native sea creatures in a capture-and-release aquarium. ‌ If you fancy swapping your binoculars for a boat trip, there are regular wildlife-watching excursions along the coast, offering front-row seats to seabird colonies, playful dolphins, and dramatic cliffs. Between the marine life, epic views, and a small-town food scene that punches well above its weight, Fishguard isn't just a stop on the way to somewhere else. It's the destination. Here's how to make the most of a long weekend in Fishguard. Article continues below Wildlife watching trip There's so much wildlife here Fishguard, Wales, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly marine life. According to Visit Pembrokeshire, common and bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in Fishguard Bay, sometimes even popping into the harbour, much to the delight of residents and tourists. You can also spot harbour porpoises, minke whales, and even fin whales with specialised boat trips that depart from Fishguard. ‌ North Pembrokeshire Tours offers fun boat trips to Strumble Head running from April to October, weather permitting. On this brilliant wildlife trip, you'll see the landing place where French forces made the historic last invasion of mainland Britain en route to the dramatic Strumble Head lighthouse. Your trusty skipper will also take you to Emerald coves and secret beaches, hidden from view, where seals bask in the sun, and porpoises feed at the turn of the tide. ‌ Book here Coastal Walks and History There are loads of lovely walks around Fishguard (Image: Portia Jones ) Before diving into Fishguard's wildlife and culinary offerings, it's worth building up an appetite with a bracing coastal hike. A short walk from the town centre takes you to Fishguard Fort, an old defensive site with sweeping views across the bay. ‌ Built in the 18th century to protect against French invasions, the fort is now a peaceful spot to watch the ferry from Ireland glide into the port. The real local legend, though, is how Fishguard's women, dressed in distinctive red cloaks and black hats, helped repel the last invasion of Britain in 1797. Their formidable appearance supposedly tricked the French into thinking a much larger army awaited them. After exploring the town, it's time to dive into Fishguard's thriving food scene, starting with a banging brunch. ‌ Visit The Last Invasion Tapestry Before your next meal, take a short walk to Fishguard Town Hall, where the impressive Last Invasion Tapestry is displayed. The last time Britain was invaded, it happened right here in Fishguard. On February 22, 1797, French troops landed just outside town in a chaotic attempt to stir up rebellion. It didn't last long. Local resistance, led by the legendary Jemima Nicholas, quickly brought the invasion to an end. It was over almost as soon as it began, but Fishguard still holds the title for the last invasion of Britain and wears it with pride. ‌ This short but dramatic campaign was the last time a hostile foreign force set foot on mainland Britain, and you can relive the story through the stunning Last Invasion Tapestry. This award-winning masterpiece, stretching an impressive 30 metres, was designed and stitched by around 80 talented local women in 1997 to mark the bicentenary. With intricate details that bring history to life, alongside storyboards and artefacts, you can understand how a small Welsh town became the setting for a momentous chapter in British history. ‌ Fishguard is one of my favourite places in Pembrokeshire (Image: Portia Jones ) Gorsedd Circle In 1936, Fishguard hosted the National Eisteddfod, Wales' legendary festival of music and poetry. To mark the occasion, the Gorsedd Circle was built. Just a short five-minute stroll from Fishguard Square, this historic stone circle is well worth a visit. Stand among the stones and picture the poets, musicians, and bards who once gathered here. It's got a bit of a mystical feel, perfect for soaking up some Welsh culture. ‌ You'll also get splendid views over Lower Town and Fishguard Fort across the bay. A little history, a little scenery, what's not to love? Lower Town Harbour and kayaking Wander down to Lower Town Harbour, a postcard-perfect fishing port that's been used as a filming location for movies like Moby Dick. (Image: Getty ) Wander down to Lower Town Harbour, a postcard-perfect fishing port that's been used as a filming location for movies like Moby Dick. ‌ If you're lucky, you'll find pop-up seafood stalls serving freshly caught crab or lobster sandwiches here. The simplicity of ultra-fresh seafood, a squeeze of lemon, and a touch of salt is a food lover's dream. Want an adventure while you're here? Kayaking in Pembrokeshire is hands down one of the best ways to explore this jaw-dropping coastline. With 220 miles of rugged cliffs, secret caves, and golden beaches, it's a paddler's paradise. And let's not forget, this is Britain's only coastal National Park, so you're in for some seriously epic views! Hop in a kayak with Kayak King in Fishguard, and you'll be treated to an unforgettable tour of the Pembrokeshire coast. Glide through crystal-clear waters, weave in and out of hidden sea caves, and get up close to incredible marine life. ‌ Keep your eyes peeled for the resident seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing in the waves, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a playful porpoise! No experience? No worries! Kayak King's expert guides ensure everyone feels right at home, from total newbies to confident paddlers. Their stable, sit-on-top kayaks are extremely easy to handle, and they are best suited for sheltered waters, making it a fun and stress-free adventure for all ages. Where to eat in Fishguard Pembrokeshire is having an absolute moment when it comes to food. (Image: Portia Jones ) ‌ With waters full of diver-caught scallops, St Brides Bay crayfish, plump mussels, lobsters, bass and mackerel, Pembrokeshire serves up a serious coastal bounty. And Fishguard? It's holding its own with an impressive food scene that makes the most of all that local bounty. Independent cafés, cosy pubs and clever kitchens are turning out gastro-delights from just-landed seafood to creative plates you'd expect in a much bigger town. Here are a few of our top picks. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Cresswell's Café ‌ For a properly comforting Welsh lunch, Cresswell's Café is a must. This local haunt is famous for its Sunday lunches and traditional Welsh cawl. Their homemade soups and generously filled sandwiches are excellent options if you're looking for something lighter. Mannings Ffres With a welcoming ambience and a creative menu, Mannings Ffres is always a good breakfast choice. This café-greengrocer hybrid is a firm favourite with locals and uses quality ingredients sourced from Pembrokeshire's best producers. ‌ Their new breakfast stack is loaded with sausage patty, crispy bacon, black pudding, flat mushroom, and a perfectly cooked Trebover egg. Don't forget to try their locally roasted coffee—it's strong, smooth, and the perfect way to wake up before a day of exploring. Mannings Ffres is always a good breakfast choice (Image: Independent Coffee Guide ) The Gourmet Pig ‌ If you're looking for a quick yet high-quality breakfast, head to The Gourmet Pig. This award-winning deli stocks artisan Welsh cheeses, fresh pastries and local produce. Their sausage rolls and Pembrokeshire butter croissants are dangerously good, making it hard to choose just one item. If you're going on a long coastal walk, grab a freshly made baguette with local cheese and chutney for a top-tier picnic. Janes Fishguard – Coffee Shop ‌ If you love a cosy café with homemade treats, you'll adore Janes. This family-run spot is a charming blend of coffee shop and haberdashery, making it a unique place to unwind with a steaming cup of coffee. They serve Segafredo coffee (rich, smooth, and just the right level of indulgence) alongside a menu of homemade cakes, light lunches, and hearty bites. If you're after a proper Welsh treat, their bara brith (a traditional fruit loaf) is a must-try, moist, lightly spiced, and perfect with a slather of butter. ‌ Hooked @31 Fish and chips might be a classic, but it's an art form in Fishguard. At Hooked @31, you'll find some of Pembrokeshire's crispiest, freshest fish and chips. Their beer-battered cod, homemade tartar sauce, and double-cooked chips are nothing short of perfection. They also serve loaded fries with toppings like pulled pork, Welsh rarebit, and fresh seafood. Ffwrn ‌ Named after the Welsh word for oven, Ffwrn is a one-of-a-kind spot in a beautifully converted 1930s church hall. With its mix of vintage and industrial curiosities, lush greenery, open-plan space, and cooking centred around a roaring Fire, it's a must-visit dining spot in Pembrokeshire. On the menu? Crisp wood-fired pizzas, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Pair with local ales, hand-picked wines or a cheeky cocktail. Ffwrn isn't just about great food—it's also a buzzing event venue that hosts live performances and themed events. ‌ The Royal Oak Royal Oak Inn, Fishguard (Image: Wales Online ) For a cosy, atmospheric dinner, The Royal Oak is frankly unbeatable. This pub is where the surrender treaty was signed after the 1797 French invasion and it still holds its historic charm today. ‌ Expect filling portions, a fantastic selection of local ales, and a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Live folk music nights (usually on Tuesdays) are a great way to experience Pembrokeshire's musical heritage while enjoying a locale ale. Hot Chilli Indian Restaurant If you're craving richly spiced, comforting Indian food on the Welsh coast, Hot Chilli Indian Restaurant is a spot worth visiting. This family-run Bengali and Welsh eatery serves flavour-packed curries, sizzling tandoori dishes, and homemade desserts in a warm and welcoming setting. ‌ The extensive menu features all the beloved classics—from creamy kormas to rich, slow-cooked rogan josh—alongside a few house specials crafted by the chefs. However, if you still have room after your main course, it's worth saving space for dessert. Traditional Indian kulfi, flavoured with mango or pistachio, is a perfect way to end the meal—refreshing, sweet, and indulgent. JT at the Abergwaun Hotel ‌ JT at the Abergwaun Hotel is a must-visit spot (Image: Portia Jones ) The restaurant at The Abergwaun Hotel offers a contemporary twist on European cuisine, celebrating the finest Welsh produce. Expect carefully crafted dishes that balance bold flavours with fresh, local ingredients. Typical starters include crispy teriyaki pork belly with a zingy yuzu ponzu dressing or sticky king prawn bao buns packed with marinated cucumber and a punchy lime dressing. ‌ Mains are just as impressive, expect perfectly cooked Welsh ribeye, fillet steak with house chips, a rich peppercorn sauce, or teriyaki-glazed salmon with fennel-roasted new potatoes and charred broccoli. Vegetarians will also be well-served, with dishes like the spring vegetable medley featuring crispy nut bites, halloumi, and a fresh herb sauce. Late night drinks and ents The Ship Inn ‌ If you're not ready to call it a night, head to The Ship Inn for a proper old-school pub experience. Tucked away in Lower Town, Fishguard, right by the mouth of the River Gwaun, The Ship Inn is a popular alehouse with roots stretching back to the late 18th century and is brimming with character, sea-faring tales, and a cracking selection of real ales. Inside, walls are decked with old maritime photos, maps, and quirky memorabilia, adding to its wonderfully unspoiled charm. It's a Free House and a proud feature in the Good Beer Guide, so you know you're in for a top-notch pint. ‌ Theatre Gwaun If you're looking for an offbeat venue, Theatre Gwaun is a community-run theatre and cinema that offers indie films, live performances, and occasional comedy nights. It's an unexpected but fantastic way to round off the evening. Stay at the Abergwaun Hotel The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star. (Image: The Abergwaun Hotel ) ‌ The Abergwaun Hotel is a boutique bolthole where the food is the real star. Once a derelict building that stood empty for a decade, local couple Dan and Lois, who both have a background in high-end hospitality, gave it a new lease on life in 2020. The result? A stylish, contemporary 4-star hotel with five luxury en-suite rooms, a two-bedroom apartment, and a restaurant that's putting Fishguard on the foodie map. ‌ The rooms are bright and airy, with simple, elegant décor that uses neutral tones and soft textures. They are where minimalism meets comfort—nothing too fussy, just a relaxing space to crash after a day of eating and epic coastal walks. One of the rooms is even dog-friendly, so your adventure-loving pup doesn't have to miss out. When the hotel appeared on Channel 4's Four in a Bed in 2024, the visiting contestants praised the spotless rooms and cloud-like beds. ‌ One guest flopped onto the mattress and declared, "It's like lying on a cloud", while another couple admitted: 'This is going to be hard to beat.' Dan and Lois, owners of the Abergwaun Hotel in Fishguard. The couple and the hotel featured in an episode of Four in a Bed. (Image: Channel 4 ) The Real Star: The Food ‌ While the rooms are lovely, the real reason to stay here is the food. The hotel's restaurant, JT at The Abergwaun, is run by co-owner Dan, a chef who turns local ingredients into bold, inventive dishes. Here you'll find European flavours with a Pembrokeshire twist, all served in a laid-back, intimate setting. The menu changes with the seasons, and the quality is consistently high, whether you opt for the full-tasting menu or simply stop by for a well-crafted cocktail. The restaurant has received a Good Food Award for Gastro Pubs (Gold Seal) and is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the best places to eat in this part of Wales. Article continues below If you need proof, look no further than the reactions on Four in a Bed. Confident in his breakfast skills, Dan served up a morning feast that left one guest saying: 'I've eaten in restaurants all over the world, and that's probably one of the best breakfasts I've ever had.' High praise, indeed.

The Herald Scotland

11 hours ago

• The Herald Scotland

When time ran out for the Glasgow Apollo

The venue's peak came during the Seventies and for those of us who were there then, it, and the many gigs we saw there, remain among the defining images of that decade. Alongside, perhaps, the Old Grey Whistle Test, John Peel's cult radio shows, and enthusiastic reading of the music weeklies – Sounds, NME, Melody Maker for news of the latest vinyl and tour dates. Not to mention, of course, the music of the time, whether it was punk and new wave, the Eagles, the Stones, prog, glam, heavy metal or soul. The Apollo memories are imperishable. Many of the bands that played the venue are, like the Apollo itself, no more, having broken up for one reason or another: 'musical differences', frustration over a lack of success, a desire to follow individual dreams. But a gratifying number of groups are still thriving today: Neil Young, the Stones, the Cure, Status Quo, Rod Stewart, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Robert Plant, the Rezillos, Robin Trower, AC/DC, Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Eric Clapton, Hawkwind, Jethro Tull, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison. Santana, too. Led by Carlos Santana, who turns 78 next month, they entertained the OVO Hydro just a few nights ago, nearly half a century after their last appearance in Renfield Street. And then there's Paul Weller, of course; it was his old band, The Style Council, who brought the curtain down on the Apollo on Sunday, June 16, 1985. Time has been busy catching up with other Apollo acts. Black Sabbath are bowing out with a huge farewell gig at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5. That same night, a few miles away elsewhere in the city, Jeff Lynne's ELO will play the first of five last-ever concerts – two in Birmingham, two in Manchester, and one in London's Hyde Park. Elkie Brooks, who experienced the Apollo on a handful of occasions in the latter years of its existence, is on a Long Farewell Tour. In August, The Who will embark on their North America Farewell Tour, To look through the comprehensive gig listings curated by the people behind the excellent Glasgow Apollo website is to be reminded the astonishing wealth of gigs that took place there, across so many genres. The names of some of the acts – Renaissance, Rare Bird, drummer Ginger Baker's group Baker-Gurvitz Army, the all-female US rockers Fanny, Gentle Giant, Kokomo, Glencoe, Golden ('Radar Love') Earring, the Groundhogs, Traffic, Japan's Sadistic Mika Group – are familiar to fans of a certain vintage today. Less familiar, possibly, are Tea, who supported Baker Gurvitz Army in 1975; Dave and the Mistakes, who opened for Elvis Costello and the Attractions in 1981; and Sandii & the Sunsetz, another Japanese group, who were the support act for (of course) Japan in 1982. It's interesting to look back at the music weeklies and see what they made of certain concerts. Here's a small selection: * 'Heat, dust, smoke, lasers and Genesis combined to turn the Glasgow Apollo into a replica of Dante's Inferno when the band descended on the city on Friday night' – Melody Maker, July 1976. * 'Rory G[allagher] made it however, and played an undeniably proficient over two-hour set to the most rapturous reception I've seen in ages. The audience was crazy, drunken, happy, and collectively about as intelligent as the average tree-stump: in short, all the jolly working-class virtues that made me leave Glasgow in the first place' – Sounds, April 1978. * 'Fred Turner [of Bachman Turner Overdrive] is a real sweathog of a bass player. Whether he's hungrily engulfing chip sandwiches in a Glasgow hotel under the lights of a documentary film crew, or bouncing all over the Apollo stage until the lighting towers begin to develop major instabilities, you gotta admit the dude is, like, heavy, man. He ought to do a seesaw act with Leslie West' – NME, May 1975. * 'As a unit [Lynyrd Skynyrd] peaked with 'Tuesday's Gone', which took on a church atmosphere – in Glasgow the audience even started the Terrace Sway.... In Glasgow, the entire audience sang 'Free Bird' in its entirety. That's freaky (good-freaky), 3,000 people singing homage to a guitarist [Duane Allman] they've never seen' – Sounds, February 1976. * 'Backstage at the Apollo the theatre photographer is taking a group shot of the Rolling Stones receiving their trophies earned by selling out the three shows there. 'More ANIMATION pleeeze,' Jagger shouts good naturedly to the nervous photographer. 'When the Faces played here they could only afford one trophy', Woody [Ron Wood] informs the gathering, 'so we gave it to Tetsu [Yamauchi] to make him feel wanted'. Tonight each band member gets their own special souvenir. Just another memory. Keith gives his to Marlon [his son]' – Sounds, April 1976. * 'For Scotland, the Pretender changed tactics. Wearing a tartan wool scarf, he concentrated on rock 'n' roll. It was such good rock that it made me think maybe the Eagles aren't the best American rock 'n' roll band. Maybe the best American rock 'n' roll band is Jackson Browne ... Browne's initial self-centred introspection gently fades away. The Glasgow Apollo was cold, and Jackson Browne wanted to warm the place up with some powerfully generated rock. I almost thought he'd do 'Whole Lotta Shakin'' – Sounds, December 1976. The Apollo was noted, then, for many things: for its unassailable place on the Scottish gig circuit, for the rampant fervour with which many groups were greeted, for the less-than-salubrious nature of its backstage facilities. It all added up to a brilliant, authentic venue. The Apollo was living on borrowed time 40 years ago, however. The outcry that had greeted an earlier closure date, in 1978, when the venue's operators were granted a licence to turn it into a bingo hall, was decidedly more muted in the run-up to the Style Council farewell in 1985. As to why, David Belcher, the Herald's music writer, had this to say: 'The answer on everyone's lips is the Scottish Exhibition Centre, which has been bruited as having the ability to stage five to 10 10,000-seater per year along with up to 40 annual 2,000-seater shows'. Belcher also noted that the Apollo was damp and crumbling and that its fabric had deteriorated alarmingly over the last five years – not surprisingly, perhaps, given that the place had opened, as Green's Playhouse, back in 1927. The Apollo's time was up, then. But who could possibly have guessed in 1985 that its absence would be mourned, four decades later? RUSSELL LEADBETTER