How Much Does A Beer Really Cost? (A Survey Of 21 Places).

The venerable lion beer

Lion Beer. Our brew is competitive with any international beer and far superior to the local Carlsberg. But how much does it cost? The printed price is Rs. 140 but prices vary widely around Colombo. We called 21 places and put together a list, what we call the Lion Index.

Note that this isn’t comprehensive. We just called some places we know and/or liked and asked/calculated what 675 ml worth (the big bottle) would cost.

What were the results? The cheapest places are obviously the dodgy bars, but Park Street Mews and Barefoot are surprisingly affordable. The higher end restaurants and pubs are not.

 

The Graph

Here’s the results. We’ve assumed that the base price is Rs. 140, that’s the number in black (Cost). That plus the red bar is the menu price, so the difference is their profit. We’ve also calculated what 10% service and 13% taxes will do to your bill. Put it all together and you can get a Rs. 140 beer pushing 500, easy.

 

The Table

Menu Price Total (++) Profit Price/ml Price (Unit) Unit
Randoli 190 234 50 0.30 190 625
Ex-Servicemen’s 190 234 50 0.30 190 625
Station 200 246 60 0.32 200 625
Park Street Mews 250 246 110 0.40 250 625
Buba 260 320 120 0.42 260 625
New Colonial 270 332 130 0.43 270 625
Barefoot 300 369 160 0.48 300 625
White Horse 300 369 160 0.48 300 625
Fort Cafe* 333 410 193 0.53 160 300
O! Bar* 350 431 210 0.56 185 330
Harbour Room 370 455 230 0.59 370 625
Cricket Club 385 474 245 0.62 385 625
Colombo Courtyard 400 492 260 0.42 400 625
Havelock Bungalow 425 523 285 0.68 385 625
7 Degrees 430 529 290 0.69 430 625
Inn On The Green 430 529 290 0.69 430 625
Casa Colombo 450 554 310 0.72 450 625
Rize 450 554 310 0.72 450 625
Cheers 450 554 310 0.72 450 625
Gallery 475 584 335 0.76 475 625
Amuseum 1136 1398 996 1.82 600 300

Note that we actually checked 21 places, but the prices at Amuseum (a nightclub) were so insane (Rs. 600 for a small bottle) that we left them off the graph. We called another club – Kama – but they wouldn’t give us a price, meaning it’s nearing infinity. Those guys are rude and that club is unpleasant and too often violent.

 

If you’re drinking out you can expect to pay between Rs. 234 and Rs. 584 for a bottle of Lion – always at least about Rs. 100 above retail. A bottle can push over 1,000 at nightclubs, but we include that only for reference. It’s really apples and oranges.

A bottle of Lion is cheaper at dodgier bars like Randoli and the Ex-Servicemen’s club, but there is a definite drop off in terms of ambiance there. No women. The dodgier establishments, as charming as they may be to men, really aren’t very woman friendly. They seem rooted in the assumption that women don’t (or shouldn’t) drink – and that ladies certainly don’t like lager. While their minimal profit-taking of Rs. 50 is admirable, the ability for men and women to go out together (inconspicuously) is worth a bit more.

The Conclusion

The cheapest (and probably best) option would be to head over to Keells (not Cargills, which stocks only their horrendous brews, not Lion), buy some bottles and have friends over. Going out often works out to be pretty expensive, and if you’re a woman this means you’re confined to a rotation of the same sort of places – almost all of which belong in the mid to expensive range. That being said, it is nice to go out for a beer sometimes. The Station is pretty affordable, and suprisingly so is Park Street Mews. Barefoot is the classic Sunday or any day place for a cold beer, and they don’t come out too bad as well.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide