This secret bar at the new Renaissance Downtown hotel is EVERYTHING!

Dubai's attempted the speakeasy style bar quite a few times, but with mixed results. Poppy, however, the third 'secret' concept by celebrity chef David Myers, alongside his French and Italian restaurants in the hotel, nails it. 

It's so discreet that U enter through an innocuous doormarked 'Private' just up the stairs from Basta! restaurant - there's no signage. Inside, it's a luxe, intimate little bar where Scandi chic meets vintage glamour. Dim moody lighting; deep, put-your-feet-up lounges; and Middle Eastern-inspired design accents set the scene, while an impressive vinyl collection helps the DJ build the perfect analog atmosphere. 

The cocktail list, curated by mixology legend Sam Ross, includes his signature creation Penicillin and classics such as the Negroni, plus bespoke Poppy-only drinks like Last Word (gin with fresh lime, maraschino, and green chartreuse) and Bee keeper (Bourbon, honey, absinthe and bitters).There is no food menu at the moment, but we're told that might change. 

Designed to be an interactive experience, here U can make your own cocktails under the expert eye of the resident mixologists. We can't vouch for your cocktail-making skills, but if you leave it to the pros, you'll find some of the best cocktails in town, with a sexy and relaxed atmosphere to match. Think we might have found our new fave bar in Dubai, but shhh... just don't tell anyone else about it! 

Ideal For

Luxe libations

Signature Drinks

Penicillin (Scotch, fresh ginger, lemon, honey & Islay); Strawberry 75 (Gin, lemon, strawberries & sparkling wine); East side cocktail (Gin/vodka with cucumber, mint & lime); Bramble (Gin/vodka with fresh lemon, blackberries/passionfruit and crushed ice)