London Restaurant Kricket to Make Dubai Debut at Vida Emirates Hills

London-founded restaurant brand Kricket is set to make its Dubai debut at Vida Emirates Hills, marking the first restaurant launch by The Food & Beverage (FAB) Group and the beginning of the brand’s planned expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

FAB Group, a subsidiary of DEAL Holdings, has partnered with Kricket to introduce, develop and operate the contemporary Indian restaurant concept across the GCC. The Dubai venue will serve as the brand’s regional flagship, bringing its distinctive approach to Indian cuisine to the UAE.

The launch marks a milestone for both businesses as FAB Group expands its hospitality portfolio and Kricket begins its international expansion beyond London.

From Brixton Shipping Container to Dubai

Founded by Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby in 2015, Kricket began as a 20-seat restaurant housed in a shipping container at Pop Brixton in London. It has since grown into a group of four neighbourhood restaurants across the British capital.

The brand combines regional Indian cooking and seasonal British ingredients, drawing on both modern and traditional culinary techniques. Its Soho restaurant received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in its first year, helping establish its reputation in London's competitive dining scene.

For its Dubai expansion, Kricket will work with FAB Group, led by Chairman and Founder Abdulla Mohamed Al M’heri, to retain its culinary identity while adapting the concept to the UAE market.

Vida Emirates Hills was selected for the flagship restaurant because of its established residential community and access to residents, golfers, hotel guests and visitors.

FAB Group Targets GCC Hospitality Expansion

FAB Group will oversee Kricket's regional market entry and operations, covering site selection, restaurant development, menu and beverage adaptation, localisation and day-to-day management.

The partnership is intended to bring an established international restaurant brand to the region while preserving the character and identity that have shaped its success in London.

Abdulla Mohamed Al M’heri, Chairman and Founder of FAB Group, said Kricket stood out during the group's evaluation of international restaurant brands because of its distinctive interpretation of Indian cuisine and its track record in London's competitive restaurant market.

He described the brand as a strong addition to FAB Group's portfolio and said Vida Emirates Hills offered an ideal setting for its regional flagship, with the potential to become a regular dining destination for the local community.

Contemporary Indian Cuisine with a Sharing-Led Approach

Kricket Dubai's menu is being developed by Will Bowlby, the brand's co-founder and executive chef, with support from Colin Clague, FAB Group's Global Culinary Director and Partner.

The offering will draw on India's diverse regional culinary traditions, combining established Kricket favourites with new dishes and adaptations designed for Dubai's dining market.

The concept will retain the creative combinations, distinctive flavours and relaxed, sharing-led style associated with Kricket's London restaurants while broadening the menu to reflect local tastes and expectations.

Clague brings regional culinary experience from executive chef roles at hospitality destinations and restaurants including Burj Al Arab, Zuma Dubai, Q’bara, Jean-Georges and Rüya.

He said Kricket had long stood out for its approach to Indian cooking, balancing regional authenticity with contemporary techniques and creative combinations. Working with Bowlby, the team is developing an expanded Dubai menu while maintaining the dishes and culinary philosophy that have established the brand in London.

Bar and Beverage Programme to Complement Dining

The bar and beverage programme will be a central part of the Dubai restaurant, complementing the food offering and reinforcing Kricket's sociable atmosphere.

Guests will be able to meet for drinks and share dishes at the bar or opt for a full restaurant dining experience. The expanded beverage offering is designed to make the venue suitable for informal gatherings as well as meals with family and friends.

The combination of contemporary Indian cuisine, a relaxed setting and a broader bar programme is intended to give Kricket a distinct position within Dubai's established Indian dining scene.

Founders Look to Build a Local Following

Kricket's co-founders, Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby, said the Dubai launch represented the next stage in the brand's development.

They said the original concept was built around exploring the diversity of Indian cooking through regional flavours, ingredients and techniques, while bringing a contemporary perspective to the cuisine.

The founders aim to preserve the restaurant's informal spirit and creative approach while establishing a venue that feels connected to its new community.

With its regional flagship at Vida Emirates Hills, Kricket is targeting residents, golfers, couples, groups of friends, hotel guests and visitors from the surrounding area. FAB Group aims to establish the restaurant as a regular neighbourhood destination as the brand begins its expansion across the GCC.