Hidden above the city’s restless energy, Jabu Bar & Lounge, the newest gem atop Somerset Westview Nairobi, officially opened its doors to the public on May 15th with an elegant rooftop launch that treated guests to an evening of live dance performances, curated cocktails, and flavourful dishes against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyline.
Derived from the Afrikaans word ‘Jabu’, meaning “to be happy”, the bar and lounge embodies its name by offering a refined space that prioritizes connection, ambiance, and a sense of joy. Located on the eleventh floor of Somerset Westview in Kilimani, Jabu is designed to welcome both residents and walk-in guests via a dedicated outdoor elevator that respects the privacy of the serviced residences below.
Speaking during the launch, Ashwin Vijayasekar, General Manager of Somerset Westview Nairobi, shared the inspiration behind Jabu: “We wanted to create a space that brings people together not with loud music or flashing lights but with warmth, conversation, and great food,” he said. “Jabu was built on the idea that happiness can be found in the simplest of moments. That’s what we wanted our guests to experience tonight, and every night they visit.”
The evening gave guests a full taste of what Jabu has to offer: a calm and elegant environment, warm lighting, and an open-plan island bar that doubles as the heart of the venue. Designed to foster interaction, the bar served as the stage for both bartenders and guests, setting the tone for a relaxed yet sophisticated experience.
In the kitchen, Chef Dennis Chuili unveiled a menu that blends global influences with local creativity.
“The goal was to craft a menu that feels familiar but with a unique Jabu twist,” Chef Dennis explained at the event. “Tonight’s tasting featured some of my personal favorites from the Grilled Tawook Temptation to the Sweet Semolina dessert. Every dish is designed to surprise you gently while leaving you deeply satisfied.”
The launch event featured a private tasting menu that included the Tomato Basil Embrace, Slow Braised Elegance, and Ocean’s Bounty, each dish presented with attention to detail and complemented by bespoke cocktails prepared by Jabu’s skilled bar team.
Jabu’s weatherproof rooftop layout ensures guests can enjoy the space all year round, rain or shine. Its ambiance is calm and conversational free from overpowering music with design choices that encourage guests to linger, connect, and relax.
The rooftop venue is part of Somerset Westview’s larger vision to expand Nairobi’s hospitality offering beyond traditional hotel services. According to Vijayasekar, Jabu is a prototype for similar concepts expected to launch in other major cities across Kenya and the continent.
“This is only the beginning,” he said. “As we’ve seen tonight, there’s a strong appetite for spaces that prioritize community over chaos. We’re excited to grow this concept in line with that vision.”
With its successful launch, Jabu now officially opens to the public offering Nairobians a new kind of rooftop experience where the clinking of glasses is accompanied not by noise, but by meaningful moments.
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