Somerset Westview Nairobi General Manager Ashwin Vijayasekar says Jabu Bar & Lounge will redefine Nairobi’s dining and social experience. The rooftop escape has officially opened its doors to the public and is primed to offer a serene yet sophisticated ambience that prioritises connection, conversation, and culinary excellence.
Jabu Bar & Lounge is a testament to the evolving hospitality landscape in Kenya. Speaking at the launch event, Vijayasekar shared the inspiration behind the concept: “We wanted to create a space that brings people together not with loud music or flashing lights but with warmth, conversation, and great food. Jabu was built on the idea that happiness can be found in the simplest of moments.”
The name “Jabu,” derived from the Afrikaans word meaning “to be happy,” perfectly encapsulates the venue’s ethos. Designed to be a haven for both residents and walk-in guests, Jabu is located on the eleventh floor of Somerset Westview and features a dedicated outdoor elevator to ensure the privacy of the serviced residences below. This thoughtful design reflects Jabu Bar & Lounge’s commitment to balancing the evolving needs of clients with the growing demand for public access to the rooftop space.
The launch event treated guests to an evening of live dance performances, curated cocktails, and a tasting menu crafted by Chef Dennis Chuili. The menu, which blends global influences with local creativity, showcased dishes like the Grilled Tawook Temptation, Tomato Basil Embrace, and Sweet Semolina dessert. “The goal was to craft a menu that feels familiar but with a unique Jabu twist,” Chef Dennis explained. “Every dish is designed to surprise you gently while leaving you deeply satisfied.”
Jabu’s open-plan island bar served as the heart of the venue during the launch, fostering interaction between bartenders and guests. This design choice aligns with Somerset Westview’s vision of creating a space where people can connect over great food and drinks. “Nobody comes back just for the interior,” he noted. “The second time onwards, it’s for the people—the service, the food, the cocktails, and the overall experience.”
The venue’s weatherproof layout ensures that guests can enjoy the rooftop space all year-round – in rain or during sunshine.
With warm lighting, calm ambiance, and conversational music, Jabu Bar offers a refreshing alternative to the typical nightlife scene. Vijayasekar emphasized that the space is not intended to be a club but rather a versatile venue where guests can have business meetings, casual conversations, or simply unwind. “We’ve tried to create a spot where people can have their own conversations without overpowering music or distractions,” he said.
The opening of Jabu Bar & Lounge marks a significant milestone for Somerset Westview Nairobi, which has been operational since March 2022. As a serviced residence with 162 units, the property has primarily catered to long-term guests and conference attendees. However, the addition of Jabu Bar represents a strategic expansion into the food and beverage sector, addressing the need for a dedicated relaxation space within the property. “There was demand coming from both residents and non-residents who visited our restaurant and conference rooms,” Vijayasekar explained. “We wanted to create a spot that respects the privacy of our residents while welcoming the public.”
The journey to bring Jabu to life was not without its challenges. Transforming the eleventh-floor rooftop into a fully operational bar and lounge required extensive planning and construction, all while ensuring minimal disruption to the 350-400 guests staying at Somerset Westview at any given time. “It’s an existing property, so adding an outlet on the eleventh floor meant transporting everything up and managing the logistics carefully,” Vijayasekar said. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully created a space that is both functional and inviting.
Jabu Bar & Lounge Launch
Jabu’s opening also signals the beginning of a larger vision for Somerset Westview and its parent company, which operates over 1,000 properties worldwide. Vijayasekar revealed that Jabu Bar is the first rooftop bar within the company’s portfolio, setting a precedent for similar concepts in other major cities across Kenya and the continent.
“This is only the beginning,” he said. “There’s a strong appetite for spaces that prioritise community over chaos, and we’re excited to grow this concept in line with that vision.”
Looking ahead, Vijayasekar expressed optimism about expanding the serviced residence model and hospitality offerings to other parts of Kenya, including Mombasa, Diani, and even the Maasai Mara. “There’s demand for family-friendly accommodations in places like Mara, where families struggle to stay in tents. We’re exploring opportunities to bring our concept to these regions,” he said. While Somerset Westview primarily manages properties rather than owning them, the team is actively seeking partnerships with developers to bring their vision to life.
As Jabu Bar & Lounge officially opens its doors to the public, it offers Nairobians a new kind of rooftop experience—one where the clinking of glasses is accompanied not by noise, but by meaningful moments. With its elegant design, diverse menu, and commitment to fostering connection, Jabu is poised to become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Somerset Westview Nairobi continues to push the boundaries of hospitality, proving that happiness truly can be found in the simplest of moments.
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