Ropewalk opened only in June 2023, but is already at the forefront of this revival with an impressive cocktail menu. Sip on Only Nabeel Likes This–inspired by head mixologist Nabeel—that mixes old arrack, treacle, and masala tea. Housed inside the iconic Galle Fort Hotel, one of the bar’s signature drinks is the GFH Arrack Sour, with homegrown Rockland arrack, lime, lemongrass and ginger.

Named after the thick ropes that provide treetop-high walkways between coconut trees, enabling toddy tappers to collect sap from coconut flowers, is Ropewalk, Sri Lanka’s first specialty arrack bar. When the thick white sap, which drips out from fine incisions cut into unopened coconut flowers, is distilled and aged in wooden casks, it becomes arrack, Sri Lanka’s most popular spirit and the base of most of the inventive cocktails on offer at Ropewalk. For guests wishing to delve into the nuances of this much-loved tipple, the bar – housed in a historic 300-year-old building – offers an arrack tasting experience where guests sample a range of options from the bar’s impressive selection, from silky double distilled arrack to pale-gold, multi-layered floral Ceylon Arrack.

These establishments, such as The Coats of Arms Bar, The Bungalow Galle Fort, Sugar Bistro at the Heritage, Church Street Social, 420 Crunch, TAP HOUSE BY TRIO, Gin Tonic Seafood Bar & Pub, Ropewalk | Galle Fort Hotel, LightHouse Wine Shop, Bommu Lounge & Bar, Cigar Bar Le Grand Galle, Moi Shaka Boom by DBI, Love Bar Galle, and the OG Bar at Sydney Hotel, provide diverse offerings from artisanal cocktails and fine wines to fresh seafood and local brews. Many feature stunning ocean views, live music, or unique architectural elements that enhance the overall experience. The continued operation of these venues within historical structures underscores a deep connection between the past and present, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and inviting.

Inspired by the flapper era of the 1920s, Ropewalk is the latest addition to the stellar lineup of impressive bars along the south coast. Located inside the 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, this speakeasy bar with local and colonial Dutch-influenced design is part of the historic Galle Fort Hotel and the country’s eminent arrack-speciality bar. Taking its name from the process of traditional arrack making—where toddy tappers ply across coconut trees traversing a coir rope stretched between them—Ropewalk’s menu infuses regional flavours like tamarind and palm treacle.

Winner of multiple awards, Ropewalk (average cost, ₹3000 for two, including cocktails) at Galle Fort Hotel is Sri Lanka’s only arrack-forward bar. You can sit at the bar inside to catch the bartender in action or make yourself comfortable in one of the rattan chairs outside as you sip on your carefully crafted drinks. Order the Leyn Baan, named after a local street, or the Gunpowder for a kick of chilli and the Sri Lankan version of the famous spice mix.

Ropewalk only opened in June, 2023, but this speakeasy bar occupying a spot in the historic Galle Fort Hotel is already making waves across the island. It’s always buzzing, particularly on the weekends, and offers a raft of new drinks that shed light on the island’s local brew arrack, a once overlooked spirit now championed by a new sleeve of mixologists across the country. Try their Only Nabeel Likes This.

Afterwards, I headed to Galle Fort Hotel, whose elegant, colonial-style Ropewalk Bar is the self-proclaimed home of the arrack sour. In fact, their menu includes different sours (and other cocktails, if you're so inclined) for every palate, from spicy to pickled. Mine was expertly brewed with strawberry, basil, blackcurrant and pineapple.

The chic setting in the Galle Fort Hotel makes it a fantastic spot to wind down after a day of exploring.