The Pool Bar (Galle Face Hotel).

With history that stretches back to 1864, and property that stretches down some of Colombo's most prime seafront, The Galle Face Hotel's location and legacy are unsurpassed on the island. Their pool bar is one of our most highly-recommended spots if you've got just 24 hours in the city, just for its historic value.

Drinks & Dining

The drinks here used to be expensive and lacklustre, but they seem to have steadied the prices and worked on their quality. The new cocktail menu features quite a few interesting concoctions featuring sparkling wine, fresh fruit, and more.

We opted for a Lynchburg Lemonade (Rs. 900 on the menu but a mystifying Rs. 1107.31++ on the bill), a Mojito Royal (Rs. 950), and a Bellini (Rs. 950). The Lemonade (pictured above in the water tumbler) featured a gentle suggestion of bourbon and triple sec, slightly overwhelmed by the fresh lime juice.

The bellini isn't difficult to execute well, a little bit of peach juice topped with sparkling wine, and they did just that. We wish they found a better way of storing their prosecco though, because both the bellini and Mojito Royale were rather flat. The Mojito Royale was probably our favourite of the lot, essentially a simple mojito with sparkling wine poured over. I've usually had this in a highball glass, but they chose to serve it in a champagne flute here.

Their menu is limited, it's pretty much the same stuff you'd find on the neighbouring In On the Green's snack menu. We opted for a Veranda Quartet at Rs. 1400, which seemed like it was going to be a good selection of the tapas available. However, it was exorbitant, miserly and disappointing. The food took some 45 minutes, came cold, and featured one piece of crab cake, one piece of chicken satay, and one solitary beer-battered prawn. There were 3 vegetable maki rolls and buckets of sauce though, which was generous in comparison to the rest of the bento box. The complimentary spiced manioc chips on the table actually sated us more.

Post service charge and myriad taxes, the drinks and food came up to a whopping Rs. 5741 for one snack and three cocktails.

Service & Ambience

The service has also improved drastically since our last visit about a year or two ago. Now, the waitstaff is a lot more proactive, acquainted with the menu, and friendly.

Despite the pool area being a bit younger than the rest of the hotel, the thrill of the ambience lies predominantly in the fact that it's barely changed in the last 153 years, and you've got the same view and setting as royalty and international film stars before you. Lovely sprawling views of the Indian Ocean (and now the ugly protuberance of the Port City), lush lawns, and of course the GFH's iconic checkerboard terrace. 

Overall

The cocktails are alright, but we'd suggest you settle down with a beer, local arrack, or G+T if you're feeling colonial. We don't particularly recommend the food as it's not value for money, but you're really only here for the view and nostalgia anyway, so save your appetite for one of the Galle Face Hotel's other restaurants.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka’s nightlife revolution

By Vimasha Weerawansha  If you’re into nightlife and crave bold, unforgettable flavors, Sheran de Fonseka’s

Highlights Trending

Shangri-La Colombo Ushers in the Festive Season with a Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive spirit came alive at Shangri-La Colombo as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Christmas

Trending

Discover Global Tastes: A Flavorful Adventure at The Kingsbury Buffet

By Sharon Nonis The Kingsbury Colombo offers one of the finest buffet experiences in the

Trending

Authentic Fusion Paella at Ocean

From November 5th to 30th, Ocean at The Kingsbury, invites guests to enjoy an authentic

Trending

Radisson Hotel Kandy Achieves Safehotels Certification

Radisson Hotel Kandy joins Radisson Blu Resort Galle and Radisson Hotel Colombo in proudly achieving

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide