A Sri Lankan Holiday - Night Out in Colombo

Dutch Pub

We wanted to celebrate our first night in Sri Lanka and so headed to The Dutch Hospital area which is known for its nightlife. The Dutch Pub is located inside the Old & Historic Colombo Dutch Hospital building complex. The hospital was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1681 to serve the Dutch seafarers. Over the years the building has been used as a Police Station between 1980's to 1990's, the building was severely damaged in the Civil war and was later restored into a Mall and entertainment district in 2011.

Friday Night Crowds at The Dutch Pub

During the day time the Dutch Hospital district is the perfect shopping destination. At night the quiet streets come alive with live music bands and traditional folk shows. We went on a Friday night and the place was crowded; there was a traditional folk dance performance that was very entertaining. Dutch Pub was the perfect location to sit back with a beer and watch the performance; we had front row seats! 

Tiger Beer & Prawn Tempura 

The food and drinks at Dutch Pub were good but the service is really slow and it can get really crowded on weekends. But it is still work visiting this area to experience the colonial architecture and vibrant night life of Colombo. Also there are many places to eat and drink around the area, some of the interesting ones are: Ministry Of Crab, probably the most famous restaurant in Sri Lanka ($$$). Taphouse is a good spot for cheap drinks and bar food. Semondu is another fine dining option with really good reviews. Botaniq for some signature cocktails etc.  

Best Shops To Visit:

• Barefoot
• Paradise Road
• Urban Island

The Dutch Pub

The folk drummers were very entertaining 

Roof Top Lounge 41 Sugar 

From the Dutch Pub we came to this beautiful Roof Top Jazz bar called 41 Sugar . The atmosphere was really nice with candle lit tables and a lovely Jazz band playing the classics. The bartender recommended a Local Gin aptly named "Colombo No.7". I liked the gin so much I got a bottle for myself from the duty free on the way back. 

Great Open Air Ambiance and a lovely Jazz band set the mood for the night 

Great Sri Lankan Fusion Food 

The food was scrumptious, we had a local version of Layered Mutton Rice, Fish Patties and Chicken Drumsticks. First night in Colombo was Amazing !!!

The next day we would have to make our way to our tropical villa at Bentota. Stay Tuned!