The Re.Pub.lk is a fancy new bar down Hospital Street hidden amidst small shops. Having opened in July, General Manager Mr. Rahim tells us that the response from the customers has been great. “Most of our drinks menu consists of signature cocktails and everyone really likes the fact that our prices are reasonable!” 

We dropped by to check it out and here’s our verdict on Colombo’s new pub; 

Atmosphere 

The interior is nothing like what you’d expect standing outside of the pub. Sofas, high top chairs and tables are scattered spaciously with a massive bar area in the middle. The upstair area also has more comfortable seating with a rooftop smoking area. 

The décor adopts a very metallic but minimalistic theme and with low lighting, earthy tones and spacious seating; the Re.Pub.lk offers a chic and cozy ambience perfect for unwinding. 

Food & Drinks 

Since we went in the afternoon, we weren’t served alcohol but the Manager was nice enough to show us two of their signature cocktails. Their Blue Sky at Rs. 650 was a mix of Rum and Vodka and their Baslylum Strawberry at Rs. 700 is a concoction of Gin and Strawberry Vinegar.  They also have a few other interesting cocktails with funny names like the Hospital Street, the Straight Hair and the Ultimate Cosmopolitan that sound worth checking out! The drink menu also extends to a small range of mocktails and a variety of shooters. 

Their entrée menu however is what really stole the show. They offer a great selection of food at reasonable prices. We tried out two of their special entrée’s; their Ghee Roasted Chicken at Rs. 500 and their Chicken Baos at Rs. 420. 

The Ghee Roasted Chicken is an 8 piece dish in which the chicken has been marinated by a special spice mix from India and roasted completely in ghee. It was definitely on the spicy side and we just loved it! 

The Chicken Baos entrée consists of 3 taco shaped homemade soft bread with teriyaki chicken and stuffing with a dash of mayonnaise.

Their menu also includes a few favourites like hot butter cuttlefish, dumplings, French fries, ribs and onion rings among others. Both the entrées we had were packed with flavour and definitely value for money so make sure that you order something off of their food menu when you visit. 

Service 

The manager is friendly and attentive and is constantly ready to answer any questions. The barman however, was a treat! Since we couldn’t enjoy any of the cocktails he made us our very own mocktail, one ‘Passion Surprise’ that he laughingly told us he created from his heart just for us and yes, the mocktail was pretty great! 

Overall - 4.5/5 

The Re.Pub.lk, with its cozy atmosphere, innovative menu and reasonable prices just became one of our favourite places to wind down with a few friends. Located just behind the Dutch Hospital, the pub definitely offers a bit of competition to the pubs scattered in and around the Dutch Hospital area. Check it out for good food, a variety of drinks and a casual environment. 

*Happy Hour - 5pm to 7pm (Monday - Friday) 
 Ladies Night -  Every Wednesday 

57, Hospital Street, Colombo 01 
(011) 7446654 
www.facebook.com/therepublk 

Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja