Ask any British expat to name the things that they miss about the UK and chances are ‘a proper pub’ will feature somewhere on that list.

From the minute you step into The Rose And Crown, it’s clear that this is a role they’re hoping to fill. For one thing, you enter straight off the street rather than going through a hotel, a welcome change from most other licensed venues in Dubai.

Located in The Atrium, a new complex in Al Habtoor City (just behind W Hotel and the St Regis), the entrance is marked by a big red telephone box. Inside the cosy booths, dark woods and Beatles-meets-Britpop playlist make you feel right in the thick of London, as does the dart board, pool table and sports on the big screens.

Food-wise, The Rose And Crown is not a place to count calories: the portions are huge and the food is unashamedly rich; proper pub grub, in other words.

rose and crown

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The star of the menu is The Big Ben, a towering burger made up of a 250g patty slathered with sharp cheddar, bacon and a runny fried egg, served with battered pickles, crispy fries and onion rings that nearly dwarfed the plate.

We were also impressed by the drinks menu, which includes several imported brews, craft beers and IPAs. Rose And Crown also gets extra points for the novelty retro Guinness posters, which are a must-have for any self-respecting pub.

Were it not for the wave of mid-summer heat that hits you as you drag yourself away, this could easily be a little piece of Blighty.

The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, daily 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 4370022. Taxi: Habtoor City. roseandcrowndubai.com

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Images: Supplied