Michelin-starred Sergi Arola to open in Abu Dhabi

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi will open a new stand-alone venue, p&c by Sergi Arola this month on April 23, and will offer a tapas concept, which Arola told Caterer Middle East would be "tapas revisited".

Previously known as Pearls & Caviar at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, the two-level venue is undergoing a refurbishment, including the addition of The Gin Bar, which will be above the main restaurant.

Additionally an in-house jazz radio station will launch later this year and broadcast live from the restaurant daily.

In an interview with Caterer Middle East prior to the launch, Arola said: "I have a lot in common with the Middle East; it is a natural place to be for a Spaniard. I'm wondering why there are so many more French and Italian restaurants than Spanish - we have so much more in common with Arabs than others."

He added: "Abu Dhabi has something that's very important for me - authenticity. And I also feel like I'm in Ibiza!"

The Spanish chef and restaurateur has launched 14 restaurants so far across Europe, South America and Asia.

The chef plans to visit his restaurant in Abu Dhabi at least four times a year, and host a variety of sessions to interact with guests. "I'm not just putting my brand here, disappearing, and just getting the money."

Arola said his "standards are safe in the hands of Shangri-La". He continued: "It's a win-win and the perfect combination."

Shangri-La Abu Dhabi Qaryat Al Beri general manager Thomas Guss said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Sergi to launch a brand new concept in the Abu Dhabi market.”