A one-of-a-kind pop-up restaurant set inside a swimming pool in the backyard of an old Muharraq house is making waves, becoming one of the most talked-about dining experiences in the region and could be here to stay.
La Burccia – meaning ‘swimming pool’ in the local Arabic dialect – was launched by Shepherd Studio and Chef Ammar AlHasan as a month-long project, coinciding with Muharraq Nights festival on December 1.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has, however, unanimously approved an urgent proposal by its chairman and Old Muharraq area councillor Abdulaziz Al Naar to allow the facility to continue operating beyond the event, which ends on December 30.
The restaurant, which opens daily from 7pm to 10pm and until midnight on weekends, has attracted widespread attention for its bold concept that blends heritage architecture with contemporary dining.
Mr Al Naar said the council’s move reflects the project’s remarkable success and its alignment with Muharraq’s cultural revival.
“This initiative represents a creative investment in Muharraq’s heritage homes and shows how historic spaces can be reimagined in a way that attracts people and supports young Bahraini entrepreneurs,” he said.
“The council fully supports projects that enhance Muharraq’s identity, boost tourism and create economic opportunities, provided all regulatory requirements are met.”
Powered by ila Bank, La Burccia is a collaboration between renowned Bahraini chef Ammar Alhasan and Shepherd Studio, led by Bahraini interior designer Ahmed Al Mannai. The pop-up offers a Bahraini-Italian fusion menu served in an open-air pool setting that has quickly become a social media sensation.
Mr Al Mannai said the entire project was built within a tight time-frame and limited funding.
“We worked for three weeks to turn the backyard of an old house into a unique swimming pool restaurant,” he said. “The venue is amazing and the concept is something unseen before in Bahrain, the region or the world, but the funding we have only covers one month.”
He added that continuing beyond Muharraq Nights would be a major decision for the young team behind the restaurant.
“We don’t know if we will have full business once Muharraq Nights ends, especially if we choose to fund it ourselves,” he said. “However, the council’s wish to see us continue is proof that we’ve created something attractive. With their support, we could either remain in the same location or move to a permanent venue elsewhere in Muharraq.”
Chef Alhasan said the pop-up has already ‘exceeded expectations’ and demonstrated the potential for growth.
“If a permanent venue is provided and the business is properly backed, we would build a much bigger and better restaurant with an expanded menu,” he said. “Here, being an open space, we faced challenges – when it rained, for example, it caused issues.”
He revealed that the concept has already been legally protected.
“We have secured the patent mark for the swimming pool restaurant, and this gives us the opportunity to further develop the idea,” he said. “At the moment, we have 18 temporary employees and a permanent project would allow us to create more stable jobs.”
Chef Alhasan added that the success of La Burccia has highlighted the growing appetite for experiential dining that connects food, design and cultural storytelling – particularly within heritage settings.
Muharraq Nights, held annually during the winter season, has become a flagship cultural event celebrating the island’s history, crafts, music and cuisine. Hosted across historic neighbourhoods and heritage houses, the festival attracts thousands of visitors and plays a key role in reviving traditional areas through creative, community-driven projects – with the ‘swimming pool restaurant’ emerging this year as one of its standout attractions.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))