Perle Magazine - Spring 2018 Perle Magazine - Spring 2018 | Page 119

B uzzing with residents and visitors alike at any given time of day, Block 338 in Adliya has cemented its status as the food, enjoyment, and art centrum in Bahrain. No matter where the tour starts, Block 338 is the go-to location for gastronomical journey, an exciting night out, or to become immersed in the musical and art scene in Bahrain. Combining all of those elements, in a sophisticated yet relaxed package, Hazel Rooftop Lounge is the newest venue to enliven Adliya, and has quick become a crowd favourite. Perle Magazine spoke to Jean-Marc Ducasse, who is the GBL Operations Manager, about the venue and what makes it one of the most attractive venues on the island. Drawing in customers when doors open at 5pm daily, Hazel is a trendy mix of industrial and delicate, from the exposed overhead AC ducts, to the live plant features around the venue. The project, which took a year of meticulous planning, designing, and delivery, finally opened its doors in January 2018. The tall building with Hazel’s impressive signature logo against a black backdrop captures the attention of passers by, and opened windows spill out the eclectic sounds that liven up the place, attracting a diverse customer-base and making it an enjoyable visit for all. As the sliding doors open at the entrance, and the hostess leads the way to the elevator, the cool yet relaxed vibe of Hazel can immediately be felt. The elevator doors open to a chic combination of urban and industrial interiors, which are inspired by the merging of different personalities involved in the design process, resulting in a cool yet relaxed, understated yet beautiful, complex yet simple design. Windows on one side of the bar allow in the last rays of natural light as the sun starts to set, melting into the evening as guests enjoy the smooth of the resident DJ or live musicians that come in and set the scene. “Our open windows, high ceilings, and colorful decor create a really different feel”, says Jean-Marc, a seasoned hospitality and restaurant operations expert with a love for food and people. Taking into account all the factors that create for a memorable venue to be at, Jean-Marc explains that their venue caters not only to customers, but also serves as a platform for the local musical talent in Bahrain and invites them on stage to showcase their skills. Alongside resident DJ Eric on the decks, Hazel has also hosted the likes of Ala Ghawas, Mohammed Rashid, Ahmed Ghawas, Mo Zawayed, The ReLocators, Ahmed Al Qassim, and even SPRING 2018 Perle 119