Virticle by Jetwing, Jetwing Hotels’ latest foray into the dining sphere, is a swanky rooftop bar and restaurant located on the 30th floor of Access Towers II, Colombo 2. Also the city’s highest rooftop bar, Virticle features stunning views of Colombo, tastefully designed spaces and an offering of inspired food and drinks.

Comprising two distinct spaces - a bar with a fully open-air deck and a semi-open lounge, and an indoor restaurant - Virticle strives to provide the perfect ambience that complements the views and the food. The bar, with live music on selected days, a range of signature cocktails, an extensive selection of local and international beverages and favourite bar delicacies, also includes one of the largest screens in Colombo, making it an ideal spot to kick back, relax and enjoy popular sporting events.  

In keeping with their Sustainability Strategy, all jetwing Hotels properties employ sustainable and responsible practices, giving precedence to resource efficiency, community upliftment, education and awareness. Virticle too epitomises the brand's ethos, discernible in particular in their menu offerings. The home-grown menu celebrates the heterogeneity and richness of local cuisine and features ingredients sourced from the organic gardens of the Jetwing family of hotels spread across the island as well as local farmers and suppliers. However, for those seeking international delicacies, the restaurant also offers a selection of seafood and meat from around the world. The menus for the bar and restaurant are separate. At the restaurant, meals are paired with vintages from acclaimed wineries across the world. The cocktails at Virticle are specially curated, with mixologists playing around with local ingredients to create inspired beverages. Colleagues who sampled the drinks attested to their excellence, enthusiastically returning for more.

We also had the opportunity to sample the delectable offerings of their Fine Dining menu. The food and dessert were exquisitely presented. The Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, was rich and creamy, and the roasted squash added depth and flavour, with a hint of sweetness. For mains, we had a choice between Fish Fillet (pan-fried local barramundi fish fillet, braised leeks, tapioca cutlet, spicy coconut chutney), Chicken Leg (coconut oil confit chicken leg, kurakkan pasta, quail egg, baby potato, spicy lemongrass reduction), Beef Cheek (8 hours braised local beef cheek, wok-fried spinach, cauliflower puree, coriander salsa) and a vegetarian option - a Spicy Polos Wrap with homemade tomato dip. We picked the Fish Fillet, which comprised Barramundi, a white-fleshed fish that is known for its sweet, mild flavour and firm texture. The thin skin of the barramundi had crisped up nicely, and the fillet itself was subtly seasoned.

For Dessert, we had a choice between Cheesecake, Baked Yoghurt with Jetwing Blue Coconut Treacle or a Tropical Fruit Platter. We chose the Cheesecake, which was lime and fermented ginger-infused cheesecake. The cheesecake was creamy and luscious, with just the right balance of ginger and lime, without the ingredients being overwhelming. The base of the cheesecake was reminiscent of the beloved Sri Lankan favourite - the ginger biscuit. Overall, a very gratifying dessert.

Virticle by Jetwing has all the trappings of a chic rooftop bar/restaurant, complemented by stunning views, a great ambience, and inspired food and drink. Whether you’re looking for a place to hang out with your friends, or a spot for a romantic date night, Virticle lends itself perfectly to suit your requirements. In a city rife with bars and restaurants, newcomer Virticle will undoubtedly carve its place.
 

Pic courtesy: Virticle by Jetwing