While the first
striking thing
about this new lounge may be its name (Wube Bereha - literal translation meaning 'My
Beautiful Desert' though its
more accurate meaning is something else entirely), it is by no means the last. It's interior
architecture, decor and furnishings are
all clearly designed to
visually captivate anyone walking through its doors. By and large we
can say...mission
accomplished!
From it's gleamingly polished black granite
floors to its starchy white walls and the assortment of art deco inspired furniture with clean lines strewn throughout its interior, Wube
presents a visual fait accompli that must be at the very pinnacle of interior decoration we have seen anywhere in Addis yet. Look up at
the celing at the line of fancy modern lighting breaking the expanse of the snow white ceiling and providing just the kind of low (but not too
low), interesting lighting that a lounge like this needs. Many nights, a projection screen on the far side of the room shows music videos
or other distractions for those who may need to pass the time in this manner outside of the majority who are generally chit chatting away over
drinks from one of the lounge to the other. Immediately in front of the entrance is a set of inscriptions hearkening back to the
lounge's namesake from years past.
So who or what is the 'Wube Bereha' which inspired the naming of this new gem in Addis? Wube Bereha was a
neighborhood in Addis from back in the 60's and 70's which was known all over as one of the entertainment hotspots of the city. It was named
after Dejazmach Wube - who owned the biggest and best tej bet in the area while the second portion of its name was actually meant
to convey the myth that all who entered never made it out. In fact, those who were around during its heydays claim that if the concept of
the Bermuda Triangle had been well known in Addis at the time, the resulting name may very well have been Wube Bermuda! Located
approximately by Piazza's Ras Makonnen Bridge it was probably best described as the area's red light district with a very high concentration
of tej betoch and bars all within easy reach of each other. Some of the musicians who used to play in some of those bars later went
on to make notable contributions to what is referred today as the Golden Era of Ethiopian Music - a time when the creativity and pure vitality of Ethiopian music was at its zenith. Ayalew Mesfin spent the
early days of his career at the Patrice Lumumba Bar and went from there to produce such hits as Hasabe later in the 1960's.
So much for the history lesson but how does
the Wube Bereha of today stand up as a lounge? Right up there with the very best of them in this city, we say. You'll generally
find a good crowd with the mix of local Yuppies, Diaspora and expats that upscale joints usually exhibit. The music selection can be
eclectic at times and is also subject to an oft repeated complaint at many of the lounges in the city...a tad too loud. In our view (and
experience), lounge music should not be the primary feature but the soothing, gently bumping, 'just enough to get you swaying' background to
the overall experience. This would be especially appropos at Wube where rumor has it that dancing is prohibited and one patron relates
having been told to stop during a particularly active outburst.
All in all, we like Wube and think you will too. Whether its inside the cozy VIP area or the expanse of the main room,
you will enjoy its swanky but unpretentious ambience and the effective service provided by its plentiful wait staff.
Wube wube keremela bela bela.... What can I say, amazingly elegant and cozy place with great service. Very impressive interior design that out do most lounges in the western world. From delicious food to the great choice of music....Wube is one of a kind!!!
Aperashate written by Asefa Nebiyou , January 04, 2009
A MUST VISIT FOR ALL PEOPLE,FOREIGN AND ETHIOPIANS,I LOVED THE SERVICE AND NIGHT LIFE.NO DOUBT A BEUTIFUL ART DECORATION.LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE TASTE FOOD.GOOD JOB GUYS.
What can I say, amazingly elegant and cozy place with great service. Very impressive interior design that out do most lounges in the western world. From delicious food to the great choice of music....Wube is one of a kind!!!