Front-of-house
Set in Dubai’s financial district and the brainchild of owner Munir Sati, 7 Elephants is a newly opened bar/lounge. The concept and the name are unorthodox to say the least. Apparently, the brand was inspired by seven friends who were stock traders and elephants were chosen as their mascot as they symbolise good fortune.
According to 7 Elephants’ GM Guy Gavillet, “The concept is a celebration of international influence. The theme runs across our food and beverage offering. The concept is value orientated. Everything in Dubai seems to have the tendency towards fine dining but we’re not trying to do that.”
In fact, Gavillet is keen to highlight that unlike most venues in DIF, people wearing sandals, shorts and t-shirts are more than welcome. The laid-back feel continues with the food. “Being a lounge/ bar, the food offering is more of a shared plate concept. The food is very tactile so you can socialise with friends, smoke shisha, have small bites and just carry on throughout the whole night,” says Gavillet.
The venue currently comprises 160 covers but the gargantuan space could probably could accommodate twice that number. Creative Clinic was brought in to create the open and airy oasis. The venue is lounge orientated with low level seating. A refreshing white beige and brown colour palate adorns the interior and is accented with lush, tropical greenery. Dominating the space is a massive screen popular with sports fans and a 35metre long bar, said to be the longest on the UAE.
When it came to staffing, Gavillet focussed on personality as well as skill. “From my experience in Dubai, every venue that you go to seems to be along the same lines of ‘yes sir, no sir’. We didn’t really want to go down those lines. It was more a case of selecting staff that had character and could bring something from their personal experience to every guest that came in rather than just a generic service.”
Opening just before the summer was a risky move but if anything, it’s paid off. “The menu’s gone off so well to the point that we’re being looked at as a restaurant now.” Although he doesn’t confirm expansion plans, he doesn’t rule out a 7 Elephants part two. “Maybe we’ll see a 7 ½ Elephants” laughs Gavillet.
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