Hospitality Awards AHEAD, recognising exceptional hospitality experience and design. The winners of the inaugural AHEAD MEA Awards were announced at The Meydan Hotel on 14 November 2018, at an equestrian-inspired ceremony. Although the European winner has already been announced, Counter and Bar Stools wants to inspire you with the MEA shortlist of bar, club and lounge category.

Marking the end of the current AHEAD 2017-2018 cycle, the winners of AHEAD MEA will now progress to compete with other regional winners in a Global Finale, with the results announced on Monday 28 January 2019.

At the category bar, club or lounge of AHEAD Hospitality Awards the nominated were judge for exceptional design, contributing to the hospitality experience, of a distinct area within a hotel that is primarily dedicated to drinking.

SEE ALSO: HOSPITALITY AWARDS: AHEAD EUROPE ANNOUNCES WINNERS

Winner- Flair No.5 at The Ritz-Carlton – DIFC Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Flair No.5 is an outdoor bar and lounge in the Ritz Carlton, DIFC.  With botanical cocktails, herb-infused drinks and floral-inspired sharing menus, in a garden space make the winner of Hospitality Awards an urban jungle in the heart of Dubai.

Noépe at Park Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Noépe stands out for its attractive waterside location. Perched alongside the marina, overlooking the boats and the creek beyond, this AHEAD integrant of Hospitality Awards has recently undergone a refurbishment and renovation.

White timber shutters create a loose divide between the indoor and outdoor areas, connecting the terrace and bringing the outside in. As part of the renovation, the terrace has been extended to cleverly maximise the striking waterfront views, whilst sheer curtains have been added to divide it into smaller, more intimate spaces.

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Seventy Seventy at Park Hyatt Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Seventy Seventy based at the Park Hyatt Dubai is a previously under-utilized mezzanine area above the Traiteur restaurant. This AHEAD integrant of MEA shortlist – Hospitality Awards has benefited from a major design overhaul boasted of a very comfortable and residential feel, with a heavy dose of the 1970s. Visitors are given a glimpse of what to expect with some accessories and design elements spilling into the hotel corridor. Beyond the impressive door, there is a definite nod to 70’s music, fashion and style.

Danish design classics are dotted around on a traditional black slate brick floor, punctuated by wool and sisal rugs. A bar counter sits in the corner of the space, ready to serve drinks and small bites to guests.

The Willaston Bar at The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa

The Willaston Bar at The Silo Hotel in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is an exquisite AHEAD integrant of MEA shortlist welcoming guests with their selection of crafted cocktails, classic drinks and an indulgent variety of local and international wines.

Situated on the sixth floor of the hotel, The Willaston Bar is named after the first ship to export grain from the original silo complex back in 1924. The other stunning finalist of Hospitality Awards showcases some of the Cape Town´s most extraordinary views through the 5.5m high pillowed glass windows there is no better place to enjoy a classic cocktail or a glass of wine from the carefully crafted and ever-evolving list of local and international wines.