The Picnic Brunch at Al Badia Golf Club

What’s it like: Undoubtedly one of the most refreshingly unique brunches in town, this family-friendly, alfresco brunch is set on the lush putting green of the golf club, overlooking the ninth hole and a gushing waterfall. As you enter, you are handed a picnic hamper filled with a variety of starters, a baguette, juices and …

The Picnic Brunch at Al Badia Golf Club

What’s it like: Undoubtedly one of the most refreshingly unique brunches in town, this family-friendly, alfresco brunch is set on the lush putting green of the golf club, overlooking the ninth hole and a gushing waterfall. As you enter, you are handed a picnic hamper filled with a variety of starters, a baguette, juices and salads packed in mason jars – think prawn cocktail, smoked salmon and chive cream cheese, home-style potato crisps, beetroot slaw and homemade Scotch eggs – which you then take out to your personal picnic mat set up with umbrellas and a low table with plates and cutlery (tables are also available for those not keen on sitting on the ground). The picnic mat had us oohing and aahing before we even got to the food, with its luxuriously soft padding and super-absorbent material – perfect for fidgety kids. Children won’t spend long at the table however, with a separate play area and plenty of space to run amok in – but only after they’ve demolished the contents of their personal mini picnic boxes which come packed not only with sandwiches, crisps and fruit, but also a bubble maker (genius!). While the hamper has enough food to fill anyone up, that is only the beginning, as there is a whole barbecue area with different stations cooking up delicacies like smoked beef brisket, smoked shoulder of lamb, kebabs, and salmon steaks, plus vegetarian delicacies and baked potatoes, to name just a few. A highlight of the BBQ? The mini beef burgers! There is a separate pork station, serving up sausages, ham, chorizo and lots more, but the best way to tackle it all is to order a platter with a bit of everything. Dessert is a whole other story, with ‘Candy-land’ proving to be a draw for kids and adults alike with its cheesecake, banoffee pie shooters and strawberries and cream, plus soft scoop ice creams. With drinks being served on the table, and an über chilled out atmosphere, you are likely to linger on here for as long as possible, plotting your next visit!

If you want to go: From Dhs265 per person (soft drinks package), Saturdays only. Call 04-7011127/1128.

Best for: A family day out

– Sudeshna Ghosh