Aikens to open one, potentially two, Dubai venues

Arabian Business staff writer, January 19th, 2016

Plans have been revealed for a second Dubai restaurant by British chef Tom Aikens.

Aikens made his UAE debut in September last year with the launch of Pots Pans and Boards at The Beach JBR.

The Michelin awarded chef is now set to open a second concept in Dubai, Tom’s Deli.

Already confirmed for a 2016 opening, new concept Tom’s Deli is due to open in October at Dubai Parks and Resorts.

In conversation with Caterer Middle East in August last year, Aikens confirmed plans for a second, also casual dining concept to launch within Dubai.

At the time, plans for the new Meeras development, CityWalk phase 2, had been drawn up to include a casual bakery concept by Tom Aikens.

Ahead of the Pots, Pans and Boards launch, Aikens confirmed to Caterer Middle East that he was in conversation with Meraas regarding a new venue at CityWalk, as well as other property developers.

Following the news yesterday, it appears there could be two new Tom Aikens concepts launching in Dubai this year, bringing the chefs portfolio up to three in the emirate alone.

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Following on from Tom's Kitchen Deli at London’s Somerset House, Tom's Deli in Dubai will offer a menu of pastries, cakes, salads, sandwiches and fresh juices.

Riverland, the gateway area to the park which features four zones - The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula - will not only be home to Aikens’ next outlet in the UAE. It will also welcome UK brand Giraffe, coffee shop The Brass, Taste of Italy, N Burger, and the modern European restaurant Parle.

Dubai Parks and Resorts’ retail, dining and entertainment destination is due to open in October this year and 34 lease proposals have been signed, while 50-plus outlets will be there in total.

These include a second Irish Village, Japanese restaurant Katsuya, Mr Greek, 800 Degrees Pizza, Shake Shack and Famous Dave’s barbeque, Galito’s Flame Grilled Chicken, Tortilla, and Turkish restaurant Simit Sarayi.

There will also be a Jamba Juice, Starbucks, family restaurant Big Chefs and modern Emirati restaurant Milas.