Nightlife and Leisure at Sri Lanka

In the past, Colombo's bar scene was frustratingly short on choice. But in the last two years, fuelled by growing numbers of the young and hip going out, several new bars have opened and there are now a handful of good options to suit a variety of tastes.Sri Lankans love bar-hopping and a typical evening out will include a handful of destinations. Live music is often available between Thursday and Sunday.

Rhythm and Blues (19/1, Daisy Villa Avenue, Duplication Road; 94 11 536 3859) is the essence of cool. This is the top hang-out for musicians and players who want to make their own sounds on a quartet of pool tables. Clancy's Irish Pub (29 Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7; 94 11 268 2945) is a great option for a good night out. Enjoy your drink by the bar or get closer to the dance floor. The menu offers a delicious range of salads, bites and main meals.

Zanzibar (1/1 Sir Mohamed Marcan Marker Mawatha; 94 11 244 6589) offers a quieter and more sophisticated atmosphere, with jazz, soul and classic rock shows near the end of the week.

Cheers (Cinnamon Granda; 94 11 243 7437) A very popular spot with expats who like to indulge in the all-day breakfast and Sunday carvery. It has an excellent pool table and a full-size snooker table.

Anyone in search of great Margaritas or free salsa classes should head directly for Bistro Latino (Duplication Road; 94 11 258 0063), a small corner with Mexican fun and atmosphere.

Tabu (41 1/1 maitland crescent, Colombo 7) is Colombo's hottest and trendiest night spot. It is a fusion lounge, cocktail bar, pub and night club that is sure to blow you away at first experience. The music ranges from '70s soul to '80s dance to today's hottest R&B, hip hop and dance.

H2O (447 Union Place, Colombo 2)is a stylish and edgy club in the heart of Colombo that is best known for its glass dance floor. Here, you will find the who's who of Colombo's party scene.

Inn On The Green ( Galle road Colombo 3; 94 11 223 9440) is a traditional English bar that offers the only draught bitter in town as well as an impressive selection of imported beers. Despite being themed an 'English Pub', it has escaped becoming an exclusive haven of expatriates and is well worth a visit.

Karaoke is massively popular in Colombo and you will have no trouble finding a specialist karaoke bar in the city center. The most popular spot for locals is the new glitzy Lava Lounge at the Hilton, Nightingales at the Galadari Hotel (64 Lotus Road, Colombo 1; 94 11 254 4544), and Sopranos (29 Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7 ).

Finally, relax and indulge yourself in some spa treatments. The Sanctuary Spa (47/1, Jawatte Road, Colombo 5; 94 11 250 1269-70) is a day spa that provides a number of professional treatments. Guests may select individual services or opt for half- or full-day programmes. A consultant therapist can provide detailed information and recommendations. Angsana City Club and Spa Crescat City is great for enthusiasts ready to indulge in Ayurvedic treatments unique to this warm and spacious oasis with soft contemporary furnishings.

The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.