Step off the streets of City Walk into a vibrant disco playground, where gaming and dining come together. Grab a cocktail from the bar and spin a ball down the vast bowling alley that artfully combines retro furnishings with LED screen technology. Explore the jukebox and old-school arcade under the gleam of giant disco balls, as 90s and 00s hip-hop, rap, and disco blast from the speakers.
This is Brass Monkey, but perhaps not quite as you know it.
Launching Brass Monkey 2.0
Prospect Design International created the Brass Monkey brand back in 2020, launching the original Bluewaters Islands venue mid-pandemic, which shook up the gaming and entertainment industry with an apologetically loud blast of 70s rock. It was an instant success, with expats and tourists coming in their hundreds to play, eat, and party within the colourful, retro space.
Brass Monkey Bluewaters Island is bold in both concept and design, and offered something different for the Middle East. It would be a challenge to create a second venue within this distinctive DNA that was fresh, exciting, and suited to a new urban location.
In keeping with the brand’s retro roots, we took Brass Monkey City Walk back to the late 90s/ early 00s, inviting you to get lost in an iconic era, now fondly reminisced by millennials, and romanticised by nostalgia-hungry Gen Z.
It’s all in the details…
Brass Monkey is renowned for being grand, not only in scale but in offering, and our new concept stands out from its neighbours in C2; the new licensed district in City Walk. Why opt for 1 beer variety on the menu, when you can have 12? Our unique establishment is therefore the go-to hangout, where clientele can socialise, play, and eat at the same time.
The 2-level venue features a bar, bowling alley, dining area, pool tables, and terrace on the lower floor, while the upper floor boasts an arcade and impressive selection of games, along with its own bar that opens onto a terrace for indoor/outdoor socialising.
When it comes to design, every corner has been considered, even the bathrooms where you’ll find unique artwork in each cubicle and dramatic pops of cherry red adorning the walls. The use of reoccurring motifs provides cohesion between areas, for example, the disco ball is not only found in its expected ceiling location, it’s also replicated as a high-shine table base, and a prop for the giant monkeys who loom over the bowling alley. There’s a certain refinement to the space, respectful of the brands industrial origins, but in-keeping with this surrounding area.
Art plays a major role in setting the cool late 90s/early 00s vibe. This is where Prospect Design International joined forces with artists for the visuals scattered throughout the whole venue. From music magazine cover posters to oversized street art murals, it captures a youthful spontaneity straight from the era of inspiration.
The lighting, delivered by Skylume, is key for the Brass Monkey brand. Neon strip ceiling lights mark out clear zones, providing a visible but non-obtrusive distinction between the bar and bowling areas. Lighting is also found in the form of art. From lightning bolt cutouts in graffitied backdrops to the backlight concrete bar and moving light-up bananas, the brand’s lively spirit is brightly lit throughout.
As well as the standout aesthetics, thoughtful features ensure functionality and unparalleled customer comfort. High-rise banquette seating next to the pool tables enables players to perch and sip drinks in between taking their shots, while a retractable DJ booth can be moved to create stage space for live bands.
All set for success
“From the early stages of the Brass Monkey Bluewaters Island project, we knew that Prospect Design International would be our trusted partners for all subsequent venues that would follow.
Fady Chams and his team understood our vision from the very beginning. As owners we are design-driven. Our main goal is that people leave our establishment with a memorable experience. Fady lives and breathes that same mentality. He knows that every angle, every corner, matters, and has crafted each one in a way that tickles your heart. We’re excited to expand our homegrown brand across the Middle East, and develop a unique hospitality concept which will soon be announced. With Prospect Design International as our creative force, we’re truly inspired by what’s to come.” – Zeyad Al Sanousi, Brass Monkey
The doors are open and Brass Monkey looks forward to taking you to a bygone era where the aesthetic is bold and music is loud. Grab a bite, play Pac-Man, smash some pins, and catch-up with friends; there’s no better way to while away an hour or five.
