Hospitality

Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2025

Exclusive Interview with Chef Thomas Smeeth, Senior Sous Chef, QWERTY

In this exclusive chat, chef shares his journey from family kitchens to Dubai, blending British tradition with authentic, comforting flavors.

You started working in your father’s kitchen at the age of 13. How did those early experiences shape your passion for food and cooking?

Starting young in my father’s kitchen ignited my passion for the culinary world. It wasn’t just about learning to cook—it was about discovering the energy and creativity of kitchen life. Those formative years taught me skills I never had before and instilled a respect for hard work and attention to detail, which continue to drive me today.

What’s your personal twist on classic British dishes that makes them stand out to diners in Dubai?

I like to keep things simple yet impactful. Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do, avoiding overcomplications. My focus is on presenting classic British flavors that stay true to tradition while subtly elevating them to appeal to a diverse audience in Dubai.

You’ve described British food as comfort food. If you had to choose one dish that embodies this sentiment, what would it be?

For me, it has to be apple crumble with custard. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and warming—a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. It takes me back to my roots and resonates with people looking for that same nostalgic comfort.

Menu at QWERTY promises to tantalize taste buds, so what is one of your signature creations?

One of my standout dishes is the tuna steak paired with burnt onion purée and chimichurri. The dish offers a nice contrast of smoky, tangy, and herby flavors with a unique balance that surprises diners and leaves them wanting more.

Dubai is known for its diverse culinary landscape. How do you plan to carve a niche for British flavors in this multicultural city?

By keeping things simple and authentic. My goal is to remind diners of the comforts of British home cooking, whether they’re locals exploring new flavors or expats craving a taste of home. It’s about delivering those familiar tastes with the highest quality ingredients and care.

Does the art of welcoming lie in ambiance creation or human connection?

For me, it’s all about human connection. Ambiance plays a role, but nothing beats being made to feel truly welcome by attentive and genuine staff. It’s that warmth and personal touch that allows guests to relax, unwind, and fully enjoy their experience.

Hospitality

SKYLINE DRAW AT LEVEL 43 SKY LOUNGE

Published

4 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Level 43 Sky Lounge introduces Skyline Draw, a new weekly social media-driven promotion offering guests with a selected surname a complimentary first drink and 30% off their total bill. The winning surname will be announced every Monday at 12:00 PM via the venue’s Instagram Stories.

The selected surname will be determined based on a random selection of guest surnames from those who dined at Level 43 in the previous week.

Guests who share the chosen surname can enjoy the exclusive offer, adding an interactive and engaging element to their dining and social experience at the venue.

Details:
• Offer: Complimentary first drink and 30% off the total bill for guests with the selected surname
• Announcement: Every Monday at 12:00 PM via Instagram Stories
• Location: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• For reservations: +971 56 414 2213

Hospitality

AVANI+ LANEXANG VIENTIANE HOTEL OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE LAO CAPITAL

Published

1 day ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Avani Hotels & Resorts has opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, introducing the brand’s premium lifestyle hospitality to the Lao capital. Set on Fa Ngum Road, overlooking Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River, the 197-key hotel offers a fresh base for business trips, city breaks and riverside stays in Vientiane.

The opening marks Avani’s second hotel in Laos, following Avani+ Luang Prabang, and brings the brand’s practical, upbeat approach to the country’s capital. Designed for travellers who want comfort, flexibility and a sense of place, Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel combines smart Page 1 of 5 guestrooms, connected social spaces, relaxed dining, wellness facilities and meetings and events spaces designed for both local and international guests.

Guestrooms and suites range from Deluxe Rooms to a Presidential Suite, with layouts that support both work and downtime. Clean lines, efficient space planning and warm contemporary details reflect Avani’s easy-going style, creating a stay that feels polished without being overcomplicated.

The hotel is opening in phases, with a curated selection of rooms, dining, leisure and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the months ahead.

Dining will play a central role in the hotel experience, with four venues launching in stages. Mekong Mosaic, opening on 1 July 2026, is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving international comfort cuisine alongside Lao-inspired dishes, live cooking stations, wellnessfocused options and flexible formats including in-room and poolside dining. Sabaidee Social will follow in Q3 2026, bringing a Mediterranean-inspired tapas and bar concept to Vientiane, with casual dining, drinks and live entertainment. The Pantry will offer a relaxed café and co-working space, serving specialty coffee, bakery items, desserts and grab-and-go options throughout the day. Salongxay, scheduled to open in Q4 2026, will present a refined Thai-Lao dining experience, with contemporary takes on traditional recipes, a strong wine programme and an intimate setting for dinners and special occasions.

Wellness facilities are also being introduced in phases. During the first stage of opening, guests can access the outdoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. AvaniSpa and expanded wellness experiences will be added as the hotel moves toward its full launch, bringing Avani’s balanced approach to wellbeing to the centre of Vientiane.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel is set to become a key address for meetings, events and celebrations in the capital. Lanexang Hall can accommodate up to 320 guests, supported by additional meeting rooms and outdoor event spaces. Select event facilities are available during the first phase of opening, with the full meetings and events offering to be introduced progressively.

Guests can also tap into curated local experiences and personalised concierge services, connecting them with Vientiane’s cultural heritage, riverside lifestyle and evolving urban scene. The hotel supports Avani’s sustainability ethos through the use of locally sourced ingredients, support for local producers and artisans, seasonal menus, the reduction of single-use plastics where possible and thoughtful operational practices.

Hospitality

SUSHI & BEYOND IS NOW FOUR NIGHTS A WEEK

Published

1 day ago

July 2, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Toshi, the Pan-Asian restaurant at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, has its popular Sushi & Beyond promotion on four nights a week. Running every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the unlimited buffet is currently being offered at an exclusive limited-time price of AED 149 per person, making it one of the city’s most accessible evenings of quality Pan-Asian dining

Guests can expect the full Sushi & Beyond experience: the artistry of Sushi Master Chef Kot at the sushi and sashimi counter, alongside Mama Nata’s rotating menu of Pan-Asian appetisers, mains and desserts. The weekly schedule now makes it easier than ever to plan a visit, whether for a Thursday night dinner, a weekend outing, or a reason to end Sunday on a high.