Honeycomb Hi-Fi launches in Dubai as the region’s first listening bar

Honeycomb Hi-Fi is the first listening bar to open in Middle East.

The audiophile community in Dubai has been growing in numbers and stature in recent times, and with the launch of Honeycomb Hi-Fi, they may finally find a home-away from-home.

In addition to a legitimate record store, a High-Fidelity sound system, cozy and minimalist surroundings created for superior acoustics, and an izakaya kitchen, Honeycomb Hi-Fi brings to life their concept at the Pullman Hotel in Business Bay. The Middle East's first listening bar has just opened.

The team's passion project, Honeycomb Hi-Fi, has led them on a creative journey. Along with his collaborators Varun Khemaney and Khalil Dahmash, this restaurant was conceived and conceptualized by Serge Becker, Creative Director of VKD Hospitality Group. Additionally, the Honeycomb food selection was handpicked by Canadian chef Matt Abergel. The team's adventure picked up speed when they worked with Flip Side Records to put together a vinyl program that would maximize the performance of their specially ordered Ojas speakers by Devon Turnbull.

VKD Hospitality partner Varun Khemaney says, “Many creative minds have come together to collaborate and create this concept. We are excited to show our appreciation for music and design in a new way for the local community and introduce a space that we felt was very much needed in this city.”

Khalil Dahmash, VKD Hospitality partner says, “Honeycomb Hifi is about sharing; whether that’s sharing food, drinks, or music. We really wanted to create an original concept that is inclusive and allows like-minded people to feel at home.”

Music and clarity of sound are of utmost importance to building the Honeycomb Hi-Fi community. As self-confessed music lovers, the team scoured the globe for the finest ears and advisors to help create the ongoing living culture of the Middle East’s first listening bar. The room was designed for optimal acoustics within the confines of a restaurant.

At the beating heart of the venue are the bespoke Ojas speakers created by Devon Turnbull. A leader in his field, Devon built sound systems for the likes of Mark Ronson, Virgil Abloh and Supreme and collaborated with Brian Eno on a sound installation in the past. It is the first and only Devon Turnbull Ojas installation in the Middle East.

The rotation of DJs and music curators will be serving a moving audio feast. Guests can expect anything on the turntables, from electronic to jazz, to soul, to world music. The weekly sounds program is being built with contributors of some of the best DJ’s and notable vinyl collectors in the region.