Well in answer to my own question and thanks TB, yes it is open. Alumnar makes valid points about prices and location, but in comparison to my nearest supermarket outlet which is Al Meera in Wakra, its a no brainer - i will be making the weekly pilgrimage to Barwa from now on - lucky me!! One observation I made other than the mass migration of staff from The Centre to Barwa is the inordinate number of security staff in the plaza complex - are they expecting some sort of riotous behaviour?? Is it a reflection on the Barwa populaous?? i swear there were more staff and security guys in the Plaza this evening than customers and thats NOT a winning business plan.