Soho Garden DXB — Restaurant in Dubai

IT’S A TRAP.

Overpriced, horrible service, understaffed, disappointing atmosphere, and the polar opposite of anything you would want on a night out.

Let’s dive in.

Imagine this. You and your friends are looking to go on a trip. It’s a special occasion so you all decide to pamper yourselves and book first class. Think first class on an airline such as Emirates - really expensive but one of the best experiences you’ll have.

Anyway, you’re all booked and ready to go, you were assisted by someone called Karoline (who comes off as super sweet and helpful) and everything is going great. You get to the airport nice and early, and as you’re checking in, you realize that they’ve overbooked the flight. They’re also majorly understaffed so you’re (naturally) trying to get your money’s worth but you’re treated like garbage. You have a guy called Ali who works there but is screaming and swearing at everyone for (rightfully) trying to get what they paid for. Rather than adding to the stress of the situation, you get in touch with Caroline who you hope would help you. To your surprise, she ignores you. After an hour of arguing with the staff, you eventually get your ticket, Caroline miraculously answers you again, all is good in the world - or so you’d thought. As you get to the plane, you realize that the ticket they gave you is in Cargo and you have no choice but to either accept Cargo or leave and let your money go down the drain.

And that people, is what a night at Soho feels like. You’re charged the equivalent of a down payment on a house, sold the dream, but provided the service and treatment of a sewer rat. We paid our sizable deposit in advance, got put on a table that wasn’t ours, and got kicked off it. Eventually, after an hour of arguing, got downgraded with no discount nor compensation. The speakers were horrible, the layout was completely off, you can’t see the DJ and the alcohol is overpriced (think 3x what you would typically pay in Dubai and 100x what it’s actually worth).

So what is the key lesson here? Unless you enjoy disappointment, don’t ever think about going to Soho in your life.

Now, if you do end up going (and I don’t blame you, lots of us have made the mistake), here some key pieces of advice: Don’t ever believe that any specific night will be different, Soho will always be a disappointment Don’t ever book through Karoline. She’s the least helpful person you’ll come across. The type of person that will show up at the beginning and then as soon as the payment is made, she’ll drop you like a stool If you come across Ali, don’t hesitate to not treat him well, he’ll do...

Upon seeing a story about the 99 AED Ladies Night offer with 3 appetizers and unlimited drinks from 8PM - 11PM, my friend and I decided to come and spend an evening to chill after yet another stressful week at work.

Reception: Came at 7:45PM, there was a couple who came before us but as soon as we were sighted, we got shouted at saying "Guys, we're closed. If there's no security, we're closed." I mean, maybe our mistake but there were no barriers and how were we supposed to just know they are still closed. And when they opened, still, full of attitude from reception.

Table: We loved our seat. With a heater and directly opposite the live music performer. We inquired of the ladies night offer, basically.. it was not as advertised on their story. Which is very misleading and if the sushi wasn't good, I would've complained the whole evening.

Food/Drinks: Sushi was good; fries and chicken tenders, obviously wasn't anything special or classy for that matter. We had Pink Sangria's, and while I was able to have 2 glasses in 3 hours because of the slow service, my friend had one because even after 30 mins, the 2nd glass she requested never came.

Service: SO. FREAKING. SLOW. Honestly, it was busy, but there were also a lot of people serving.. so as we guessed right, they forget requests. We didn't even ask much, but they did.

Ambience: This is the only thing positive about this place. We love how chilled it was, and the live performance for the evening had this cool, smooth, chilling voice that we enjoyed. So all 3 stars go to ambience and music only.

Overall: Don't expect much of the service. Also, VAT IS EXCLUDED. Such a disappointment because it didn't mention anywhere. VAT IS EXCLUDED!! Ended up paying 104 AED lol.

SOHO GARDEN, stop misleading your customers; Update your website, be more transparent of the charges; and freaking IMPROVE YOUR SERVICE. You have a nice set-up, but there are other points far more important like service...

A few months ago Soho Garden opened in Dubai, channelling the spirit of London’s most extravagant entertainment district. Usually open from 5pm, for a short time every Friday there is a unique opportunity to hang out in Soho’s open air from afternoon to sunset and then evening. Exciting, no? Take a sneak peak at the Sunset Brunch.

Spread between four bars, two rooftop terraces, several wall art pieces and numerous tables of various shapes, the Sunset Brunch is one of a kind. Buzzy, fun, diverse and never boring there is a lot on offer. With the view on futuristic Maydan hotel a glimpse on Downtown’s skyline, the scenery changes colours and patterns following the movement of the sun.

Sunshine on arrival slowly fades away leaving you with a cool breeze and blushing sky. At dusk the colourful lights, neons and lamps kick in turning this eclectic venue into a little nightlife town. DJs turn up the music mixing lounge, pop songs and luring crowds to the dance floor. No surprise many stay for the after party past midnight. Well, the next day is Saturday, that’s why!

Soho Garden’s brunch menu is short, trendy and quite healthy offering a choice of one dish each from a course of four, and it’s lots of fun to share when eating in a bigger group. I particularly enjoyed my creamy burrata as a starter and a deliciously juicy mega burger on a tasty fluffy bun with an aioli to remember. A look around confirmed it was a popular choice but they didn’t run out and everyone got their selection.

A big fan of tea with my dessert, I looked at my server with the eyes of “Puss in Boots” and a very special cuppa with lots of fresh mint magically appeared in front of me. Supporting my victory with a slice of an extra dessert (Alaska) stolen from a friend, I obviously felt delighted with the life and myself. What a great brunch!

P.S. Soho Garden is getting an exciting addition; Soho Beach and I can’t wait to...