Let’s find out a little more about the Hunter & Barrel UAE team
Hunter & Barrel regulars will have seen, and most likely swapped cocktail trivia or steak observations with, restaurant manager Mr. Davis. A long-term Dubai dweller with extensive experience across the city’s exciting and ever-advancing F&B scene, Mr. Davis has presided over venues including the iconic 360º at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Axe House, as well as working on projects for Zabeel House The Greens by Jumeirah and the private facility of the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
With an unwavering passion for the perfect combination of incredible quality food and drinks that deserve equal attention, here’s a little more about the man behind the mask at Hunter & Barrel UAE.
Greatest career moment to date?
360º at Jumeirah Beach Hotel is placed within the top 100 venues in the world in 2009, along with launching Hunter & Barrel’s first international venue in April this year.
How would you describe the difference in taste between a barrel-aged cocktail and one made with a standard spirit?
Barrel-ageing really brings the numerous different liquids together in harmony over the four to six weeks week they are sealed in our French oak barrels. The result is six uniquely smooth and rounded base spirits, around which we build our signature cocktail list.
Stand-out drink on the Hunter & Barrel UAE menu?
The Hunting Sour is a fantastic drink. Using the exceptional beef fat from our Prime USDA steaks, we have created our own in-house version of the Whiskey Sour, which can be paired with any of our fine dishes perfectly. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the fragrance of the bitters on the light foam, with the Bulleit Bourbon shining through at the finish.
If you were a Hunter & Barrel UAE cocktail, which one would you be?
Must be the Stag Fashioned, with the homemade bittersweet tinctures that form the base of this great drink, we add in our special blend of barrel-aged whiskey that delivers a delectable mellow oaky finish on the palate. I feel I can relate to the hard work that goes into combining these great ingredients to produce something truly desirable: a great way to finish any evening.
If you overheard a conversation at Hunter & Barrel UAE, what would you hope your customers would be saying about their experience?
We’re delighted that Hunter & Barrel guests are always very forthcoming with their feedback, and you’ll always hear them chatting to the team. They are loving the creations on the menu and the fact we represent the key spirits over the signature range, along with paying homage to the classic cocktails with our creativity. It’s been very rewarding for the bar team particularly to behave their menu innovation truly recognised already.