The Kingsbury hotel is a massive unmistakable building if you're driving by Galle Face - it's one of the grander ones in the city, with an old Victorian theme (at least with the interior).…
The Tamil Union is one of our older, more interesting clubs with a strong and loving relationship to Sri Lanka cricket. Existing before even our grandparents were born - since 1899 - the…
Occupying the former Agra bar, Shimmer, the Manchester dons the mantle of the previously Indian themed space, changing pretty much nothing except its name.
Between a Maldivian restaurant and a playground is a strip of sand that leads to a broad beach and the Indian ocean. Lani's decorated fishing boat will be on your left. The entrance is behind the…
Panorama is a bar cum restaurant that we don't love as a restaurant, though we have heard good things about the bar. Come here at sunset for the view and don't be too picky about anything else.
Machang Nawala is at Nugegoda now. After the untimely death of their Nawala branch, Machang has claimed a new spot down Stanley Thilakeratne Mawatha.
Sopranos it seems plays host to a far higher calibre of karaoke than anticipated, and participants seem to take their singing seriously. Certainly there was far less inebriated caterwauling than imagined…
The EAP is a low-key, relaxed place for a tipple. It's near the Borella junction.
Breeze Bar at Cinnamon Grand is one of Colombo's most popular poolside bars, and it's a great place to chill with some friends. The food is good, but the drinks are pricier than most other places.
The Floor By O! has been around for a while now, we've been there before and we find ourselves going back more. With very reasonable prices, competent staff and good music, they seem to know what…
The Vespa is a fantastic dodgy bar a stones throw from the beach in Kollupitiya. Down Sea View Lane, it's an absurdly large property for what is essentially just a crumbling verandah and…
We liked Sugar Bistro in the past and three years down the line that still hasn't changed. Their food is tasty, they offer a great atmosphere for dining and the service is some of the best…
Havelock Place Bungalow has got a charming little restaurant with a Barefoot-esque alfresco and good food. The prices aren't too bad, and their home-made ice cream is great.
When it comes to value for money, The Station is pretty difficult to beat. They tick all the right boxes with their ambience, service and food.
White Horse has always been a playground for Colombo's underage, bright young things. It's also been a playground for Colombo's not-so-bright things. Which probably explains why the occasional fight breaks out:…
The Bavarian has been around for ages, and is still hugely popular. Change can be a good thing but sometimes when you're doing something right, you should stick to it, and that's exactly what…
The New Colonial Hotel is at the high end of dodgy bars. Downstairs is a high-ceilinged bar with bad food but decent drinks and a nice ambiance.
This is one of Colombo's real hidden gems so do make the time for a visit. Evenings are best and though the upstairs is for members only you can either recruit a member friend or just wander up…
A good drink, bites and lively conversation all tucked away in Colombo 5 – this is really the club for Colombo’s gentlemen of class and distinction.
At Rs 260, the Ex-Serviceman's Institute Bar (open to all) is as cheap as beer gets. Its all male clientele is actually quite well-mannered.
One of the best views anywhere in the city or the region, in an incredibly under-rated colonial property.
Colombo Courtyard is a business hotel which also serves as one of the city's hippest new bars.
