OKKU takes Bar of the Year title at Caterer Awards

OKKU Luxury Japanese Restaurant and Lounge was crowned Bar of the Year at the Caterer Awards on Monday night. 

OKKU was credited with pushing F&B standards upwards by judge Rebecca Sturt, bar training and development manager with MMI.

Panel expert Halima Anderson said: “I really like the atmosphere and the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.”

A homegrown Dubai brand, OKKU has been going from strength to strength since it was conceived in 2005. A large focus is placed on staff training. Tomas Dundulis claimed the United Arab Emirates Bartender of the Year 2010 title, underlining the standard of service in the venue.

OKKU founder Markus Thesleff accepted the award, which was presented by sponsors' representatives  Hussain Zubaidee, executive director (Foods), National Trading and Development Estalishment and Magdy Abdul Aziz, regional operations manager, Power Horse.

Theslaff said of the award: "We just want to be a home grown talent and show the world that coming out of Dubai you can create a restaurant and bar."

"Honestly, what makes the big difference with us is that all of our staff put a lot of heart, passion and mostly love in to what we do, and honestly I really think this reflects on the outcome and you can see the customers come back, they love the food, they love the drinks, so it's great," he added.

Oscar’s Vine Society, Crowne Plaza, Dubai was highly commended.