Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Empire Café
SRI LANKAN, INTERNATIONAL
People who know the Olde Empire from just a couple of years back will be shocked by the
recent transformation from musty old relic to a flamboyant, modern and very inviting res-
taurant where diners sit under a bevy of fluoro paintings and tuck into great rice and cur-
ries, pastas, salads and juices.
Drinking & Nightlife
In this sacred city, the legislation for pubs, bars and discos is very strict. The typical
Kandyan goes to bed early, but there are a few places for an end-of-day gin and tonic. All
the top hotels also have decent bars.
Kandy's two nightclubs are in hotels. At both, entry for women is free, for mixed
couples Rs 500, and there's usually no entry allowed for unaccompanied men from outside
the hotel. Long trousers, covered shoes and a collared shirt are mandatory for the lads.
Royal Bar & Hotel
BAR
One of the nicer places in town for an oh-so-civilised drink. This recently opened place, in
a beautifully renovated colonial building, recalls pith helmets and British stiff upper lips,
and its courtyard bar couldn't be a better place for an evening G&T. Happy 'hour' runs
from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
It's also a restaurant and hotel, and while the food isn't bad it's not great either. The
rooms are overpriced.
Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar
BAR
With views out over the lake, pool tables, premiership football, decent Chinese food and a
6pm to 7pm happy hour, this place is a winner on many accounts. It's a big British expat
hang-out. It's sometimes still known by its old name of Bamboo Garden.
National Coffee
CAFE
