It’s time for Reform

It’s yet another three-day weekend for Team TMN and while the vast majority of the UAE has made their way to Yas Island for the F1 Grand Prix, we’re more than thrilled to stay put for some much-needed down time. A weekend by the pool combined with long lazy lunches and chilled dinners sounds just what the doctor ordered. But where to go? After hearing whispers of a promising new Gastro bar and grill a stones throw away from base, we thought it rude not to stop by and investigate…

What: Reform Social & Grill

Where: The Lakes, Emirates Living District, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

When: Opening hours are from 7am until late, seven days a week 

The promise: “From a fresh and healthy breakfast menu to an authentic gastropub lunch and dinner experience, Reform is perfect for all the family during the day and a lively bar and restaurant come the evening”

Did it deliver? Buried within the sleepy Lakes community, the ample parking adjacent to Reform Social & Grill provided the perfect stress-free start to our early evening eat. Dressed down and seeking a casual light bite, we were warmly greeted on arrival and offered al fresco dining overlooking the pool and gardens. Clearly a community venue, the restaurant was awash with families making the most of the cooler temperatures after a long summer stretch.

While we resisted the cocktail menu, which included the Clover Club, Bramble and terribly British Pimm’s Cocktail, we couldn’t turn down the tasty and tangy Slow Collins mocktail that consisted of raspberry puree, lime juice and soda.

With a menu bursting with all the British favourites, we soon discovered it’s the perfect place to retreat when you’re feeling the need for some home-cooked comfort food. Whether that be the Crab Tart or Leek & Goats Cheese Pudding to start, the ‘Scarborough Fair’ Spring Chicken or Rare Breed Pork Chop for main or the Sticky Toffee Pudding or Norfolk Treacle Tart for dessert. And if that’s not enough choice, there’s even a selection of sharing platters to appease all tastebuds.

Standout dishes included the Honey Mustard Pork Ribs, which came generously portioned with a side of Celeriac & Apple Slaw, Cauliflower Cheese from the side dish selection and the Fish & Chips, which proved to be a stable choice, with hand cut fries and a thoroughly enjoyable pea and mint mash. The Bakewell Pudding (with extra custard, of course) put a rather large spanner in the works of our planned ‘light bite’. Naughty, but oh-so nice!

The Verdict: If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but still demand quality food and service, you can’t go far wrong with Reform Social & Grill. Our only regret? Not indulging in the highly tempting cocktail menu. Next time, we’ll be leaving the car at home…

Would you like Team TMN to review your event, latest launch or product? E-mail roadtested@the-media-network.com with full details and we’ll be in touch to offer our verdict.