Fibber Magee’s - SZR — Restaurant in Dubai

Ignorance at its best!!!

After a lovely afternoon in Al Seef with my son and husband, we decided after high recommendations to have a meal in Fibber Magee's as I knew my son would enjoy a taste of "Ireland".

Upon arrival at the front door, we were stopped by two bouncers looking for ID from my son. My husband tried to explain that our son turns 21 in June of this year and that we were entering the premises for food and food only.

They proceeded to get the manager who then approached us with a standoffish attitude and arrogance about him. We tried to explain that we were going in for food and that our son has additional needs (person with determination), he doesn't consume alcohol and that we would be responsible for him the whole time.

We had travelled a great distance on recommendations but they completely dismissed our plea. We explained that our son needed to be fed and that we would have another hour to get back to our apartment.

We fully understand that there is a license for alcohol within the United Arab Emirates. Both myself and my husband are healthcare professionals and work in a major hospital in Ireland. This is our third visit to the UAE in two years and we have never been refused entry into any bar / restaurant within the country.

We spoke to two Irish residents upon leaving the premises and they were in disbelief at the behaviour we were subjected to as their own children (who are under 21) have been allowed in to watch sport and consume food.

We, as a family, would not recommend this premises as we haven't been inside after the treatment we received along with a...

We used to be a frequent customer of this bar as we love the ambiance, vibe and service of the staff as they are really accommodating specially the bar manager. Until we encounter this Filipino guard who didn’t allow us to enter the premises for a very invalid reason. Two days ago we are at this bar but unfortunately, I realized my phone was lost and we are trying to locate it outside. Luckily, we have found it from someone but he was with a group and trying to chase us and get something from us. These group of guys followed us back to Fibber Magees, we were a bit scared so the only way we could think of is to ask this Filipino guard to stop them from entering as anyways it’s already pass 2am. The guard for no reason didn’t listen to us and still allowed them enter so they ended up sitting with us trying to get a drink from us.. We are so glad, that one of their staff (Art) got a hint from us that these group of guys are trying to take advantage of us as they knew that my phone was lost outside.. So he politely informed these group of guys that the bar is already closed and they have to leave the premises. Today, we visited the bar and with the rude behavior of the same guard, he didn’t allowed us to enter as he said I brought these guys with me the last time and the management was not happy about it. We are so disappointed with his behavior so we decided to go to other bar instead. This bar is something that is special to us as the service are exceptional but the behavior of this Filipino guard is unacceptable as they are losing a loyal guests. I believe this could have been handled in...

IG: eatgosee Walking into Fibbers (as it is known) is to be transported back to some of the Irish bars or boozers I knew fondly in London — but that is not a total compliment.

The heavy dark woods, the cigarette smoke, taps after taps after taps of beer, ale and cider on draft: this is not a Dubai luxury bar, it is not a hotel-funded sports bar. This resembles more closely an old fashioned boozer where you come to drink, watch sports and chat to mates. In a city swelling with marble floors and skyline views, this is a break from the pack.

If you are coming for sports, there are a good selection of screens including a large central screen for big match days (we came for the Champions League Final 2019). There is table service so if the match is getting tense you do not have to worry about who is getting the round at the bar; the waiters will come to you - they are also pretty fast so kudos to them during a busy night.

I did order the fish and chips with the options of cod or hammour; I opted for hammour which is about 30% cheaper than cod interestingly. The batter was crunchy and the fish portion is generous. It is under seasoned but - stand back - you are in an Irish bar watching sports so now is not the time to be critical about the restraint on salt.

Would I come back? I think I got the best of Fibbers: lots of good friends, cold drinks, live sports and fish and chips. I would go back in those circumstances.

#pub #pubfood #irish #bar...