Here at FACT, we’re all about great food, live entertainment and pure fun – Sara Waddah geared up for an afternoon of delights at Hilton Bahrain.

Having opened its doors in Juffair just last month, the newest addition to the Hilton Hotels collection overlooks sparkling waters and offers a well-rounded urban experience from the moment you step foot through the doors.

On this particular Friday, I woke up, got dressed and headed out to Hilton Bahrain to be amongst the lucky ones to first try their Urban Brunch Experience! Kicking off at 12.30pm, I headed up to the sixth floor of the hotel and into Origin Kitchen & Culture, which had completely transformed into an interactive experience that had everyone grinning from cheek to cheek.

Knowing that I was in for a feast, I had prepped my appetite to be ready for all the munching that was going to happen – strolling into the large establishment, I was greeted by their lovely staff and was handed my first beverage of the afternoon before making my way down to a table where I made sure I was in the centre of it all.

Not only was the energy buzzing through the roof, but everyone was excited to be in the latest entertainment spot on the island! With a full-on band (I’m talking singer, pianist and even a guitarist!) playing all your favourite tunes and getting everyone on their feet, I had to excuse myself from the dancefloor and went on to explore the different buffet stations.

Frankly not knowing where to start, I grabbed the largest plate I could find and began browsing through the different options. From a variety of nutritious, colourful salads to various hot dishes, meat-carving stations, a Mexican corner and all the bounties of the sea carefully laid out on ice, I decided to be wholesome and start with a large serving of Grilled Halloumi Salad and some of the Quinoa Mango Salad.

Situated in its own very special corner, I was particularly intrigued by the Mexican station and my eyes were glistening at the assortment of the different types of shrimp ceviche they had on display – yes, I know the dish is not strictly Mexican, but I made sure some of these were definitely coming back to the table with me every time I passed by. Delightfully fresh, exploding with flavours and just the right amount of tang, this station captured the whole South American vibe right off the bat.

With bottomless beverages of your preference all afternoon and a staff that continued to pass around signature cocktails that were getting the party started, there was absolutely no reason for us to leave this brunch before indulging in every bit of it!

As I digested the first round of delights, I obviously kept heading back to the buffet, making sure I went for seconds and THIRDS of all of my favourites. Notably, the seafood display was one of the highlights of the afternoon – from carefully carved salmon, that was seasoned with dill, lemon and dukka, to freshly-shucked oysters, poached Bahraini shrimp and Omani lobster, all that my heart desired was simply just within arm’s reach. I loved that.

To my surprise, the brunch continued to get even more exciting when the live entertainment turned into a full-blown fiesta! Two dancers, covered head to toe in flashy costumes and feather wings, began putting on a salsa show throughout the entire restaurant! Going from table to table, engaging with guests, and getting people involved in the party, I seriously couldn’t wipe the grin off my face.

Before I even knew it, we were edging closer to the end of the Urban Brunch, and so, the dessert station needed a visit. Not only did they have sorbets, a chocolate fountain, a large assortment of hard candies and miniature cakes to indulge in, but they also even had a cotton candy machine – my inner child was beyond excited to see this in action!

This Friday was definitely the Fridayest Friday I’ve ever Fridayed, with the incredible team at the Hilton ensuring that everyone had a unique and distinctive experience from the start to the end. Weekend plans? SORTED. ✤

GO: CALL 3369 2013 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.