A renovated new look

ONE of the kingdom’s favourite Friday brunch locations may have been on hold for four months but the Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant at the Golden Tulip Bahrain has finally re-opened its doors to a renovated dining area and lobby, writes May Al Mousawi.

Upon entering the reception area guests are greeted with a welcoming, fresh scent and sleek modern furniture before they weave their way to the dining area, across an open floor through a stylishly-bordered wall division.

General manager Michel Mandrea said: “We had many people telling us that they loved the food but they didn’t like the look of the hotel or the restaurant, so it was time for change.

“Now we have a whole new look, and whereas no one used to sit in the lobby everything today is new and inviting – even our revolving door will finally start revolving!

“I have already seen the difference with people coming in and sitting down in the lobby using their laptops and reading books, this never used to happen.
“We have created a place where visitors can come and enjoy themselves in an area fit for a VIP.”

The official opening will be staged in September when the renovation is completed, but the hotel’s management last week decided it was the ‘perfect time’ to highlight the work carried out so far, especially in the restaurant.

“We are still serving the same high-standard of food with the same French chef, Daniel Mast … but our menu is constantly changing as we add exciting new dishes to our list of favourites. And the most significant change is the dining area; everything is new and up-to-date.”

The walls have been restored with a simplistic colour palette, the carpet removed and the designers have added tiled flooring and banished the wooden borders that used to frame the buffet tables. New furniture has been placed throughout, giving the area a contemporary, sharp and spotless design, still overlooking the pool.

With the glossy and modern finishings, the area exudes a classy artistic feel, which the hotel says helps reinforce its sophisticated and signature trademark. The restaurant is also more personal, with the addition of a wall division separating the reception from the dining area, offering a wide array of international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets as well as the popular Friday brunch.

The hotel first opened in 1975 and hasn’t been renovated since 2008. It is located in the heart of Manama, with Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, which holds 90 people, serving food 24-hours a day.

Food and beverage manager Zahi Hamdan said: “Our grilled hamour is one of the best dishes we serve and is very popular, as well as our certified Angus beef.”

The breakfast buffet costs BD9.5 per person, lunch and dinner is BD11.5 per person and the famous Friday brunch is priced at BD25 per person.

The hotel offers 250 rooms, including 50 deluxe rooms, 25 executive rooms, 20 suites, three restaurants and a bar. Conference and banqueting rooms, outdoor catering, a health centre with a swimming pool and tennis court are also available.