THE BUZZING HONEYCOMB HI-FI

Dubai is a city of superlatives, where innovation and beauty converge to create new experiences for its diverse and discerning residents. In this vibrant metropolis, Honeycomb Hi-Fi stands out as the city’s first-ever listening bar, drawing in Dubai’s music cognoscenti with its unassuming yet sleek aesthetics, hand-picked curation of vintage vinyl and a fine repertoire of Asian tapas from an izakaya-style kitchen. As the brainchild of the VKD Hospitality group, the team behind other successful venues such as Miss Lily’s and Indochine, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a tribute to Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Finding Honeycomb Hi-Fi may require a bit of effort, as the entrance is hidden behind a cosy vinyl record shop inside the Pullman Hotel, and true to Dubai’s penchant for clandestine entrances, the space is bustling even on a weekday evening. As you enter, you’re met by a cultural haven of creative exploration, featuring a record store created in collaboration with Flipside Records, leading to a set of noren curtains that finally unveil the intimately illuminated bar and dining area.

Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s interior is a feast for the senses of both audiophiles and design fanatics. Wooden panels line the walls, Takumi-style carpets with intricate patterns add a touch of sophistication to the space, while retro furniture and light fixtures pay homage to the golden era of audio equipment. The centrepiece of the space is the honeycomb-shaped bar, illuminated by warm lighting that sets the tone for a night of audio exploration.

The bar’s Japanese sensibilities are visible in the clean lines of the space, complemented by the acoustic foam-covered ceilings that create an audio-centric dining and drinks experience that just exudes cool. The owners’ love for music is apparent, with a rotation of DJs serving up an audio feast that changes almost nightly, featuring every genre from electronic to jazz.

Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s multiple spaces are designed to cater to different experiences. The ‘Listening Bar’ is at the literal forefront of the space, while ‘The Gallery’, a smaller elevated space, offers an added sense of privacy, tucked away behind shutters. It also showcases a rotating art exhibition, featuring global music cultures throughout time. Legendary designer Devon Turnbull built the audio elements, amping up the listening experience with custom speakers, amps, and turntables, creating distinct hi-fi sound systems that integrate into the space’s interiors.

The dining space may be small, with only a few tables dotting the room, but it offers a selection of creative Japanese bar food that perfectly complements the immersive audio experience. The menu, curated by chef Matt Abergel of Hong Kong’s Yardbird and Ronin fame, features a carefully selected range of izakaya-style cocktails, wines, sake, Japanese craft beer, cold, raw, and hot starters, mains with noodles, rice, and desserts.

Dubbed ‘The Garden’, the newly unveiled outdoor terrace pays homage to the beauty of Japanese bamboo gardens, while incorporating an industrial twist. Encased by a rich green bamboo enclosure, the artificial turf floor evokes the ambiance of Japan’s enchanting moss gardens. While the other materials used in the area remain unassuming, they are not devoid of creative ingenuity. The elevated plywood bar appears to float at the end of the terrace, providing guests with an opportunity to indulge in the open air and bask in the picturesque waterside views of the canal, all while enclosed within a stunning bamboo grid. The imposing Dubai skyscrapers loom in the background, offering a striking contrast between metropolitan and tropical elements.