Where to Grab a Drink in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, a popular holiday destination in central Sri Lanka, is famous for its cold climate, scenic mountains, and breath-taking waterfalls. In addition to that, the town has numerous activities to offer its visitors. Be it horseback riding, hiking, or even getting a few holes in at one of Asia’s best golf courses, there is always something to do in the city. And when the time comes to unwind with a drink or ten, Nuwara Eliya does not disappoint. Get ready to discover the boozy parts of Nuwara Eliya you may have not known existed.

The Pub

Situated in central Nuwara Eliya, The Pub by Lion is one of the oldest bars in the town. It provides the ambience of an old English tavern and is a hotspot for tourists visiting the hills. Moreover, the locals consider it the “go-to” place for a glass of beer to keep the cold away on extreme days.

Operating hours: 11.00 am to 11.00 pm
Address: No. 20, Kandy Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0522 235 788

The Thinking Cup

Constructed entirely from upcycled wood, The Thinking Cup Coffee Bar stands out from the rest of the town’s bars. Aptly named, the bar makes you question your choice of beverage – unwinding with a warm cup of coffee, or a few glasses of beer. Despite its small size, the place is often buzzing with loud chatter and live music.

Operating Hours: 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Limited operating hours)
Address: No. 134, Badulla Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0773 737 678
Instagram: thinkingcupnuwaraeliya

The Public Bar

The elegance of the colonial Grand Hotel is also reflected in its pub – The Public Bar. With items on their food and beverage menu priced towards the higher end, its cosy ambience and hospitality are unmatched anywhere in the town of Nuwara Eliya.

Operating Hours: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm
Address: No. 5, The Grand Hotel, Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0522 222 882

The 19th Hole Pub

Situated on the first floor at the famous Glendover Hotel, the 19th Hole pub serves a variety of cocktails and beers. It represents an English pub from the 1970s, complete with a pool table. The pub rarely gets loud within its walls and is ideal for a calm and quiet wind-down drink!

Operating hours: 11.00 am to 11.00 pm
Happy hours (Buy 1 get 1 free): 11.00 am to 2.00 pm and 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Address: No. 5, The Glendover Hotel, Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0522 222 501

The Rogue Elephant Bar

Yet another medieval-time bar set in central Nuwara Eliya, the Rogue Elephant Bar at the Windsor Hotel has aged like fine wine (pun intended!). The spot houses a wide collection of local and foreign spirits and has been known to serve some of the best side dishes in town!

Operating Hours: 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Limited operating hours)
Address: No.2, Kandy Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0522 222 554

Lake View Pub

Lake view pub is attached to the Alpine Hotel and overlooks the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse with a view of Lake of Gregory. Although open to everyone, the look of the pub gives its customers an exclusive “members only” setting with its cosy antique furniture.

Operating Hours: 12.00 noon to 10.00 pm
Address: No.5, The Alpine Hotel, Haddon Hill Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0522 223 500

Or go the extra mile – BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE to one of these restaurants!

Country House Restaurant at The Trevene Hotel

The Trevene Hotel’s Country House Restaurant resembles an old plantation bungalow and offers its customers a wide selection of dishes. However, it is well known for its customizable home-made pizzas! This quiet restaurant offers a selection of beers off its menu and welcomes travellers with booze of their own.

Operating hours: 7.00 am to 9.00 pm (Open only on a reservation basis)
Address: No. 17, Park Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0722 304 220

Indian Summer Restaurant

There is nothing that could compare to warm dishes of Indian food in the cold hills of Nuwara Eliya. With a view overlooking Gregory Lake and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, The Indian Summer Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy their signature Biriyani and Masala Tea coupled with any alcoholic beverage you may bring along.

Operating hours: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
Address: No. 96, Mahagasthota, Badulla Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0522 224 411

Hills Restaurant

With one of the biggest menus in Nuwara Eliya, the Hills Restaurant offers dishes from Chinese, Indian, Singaporean, Western, and local cuisines to choose from. Due to the busy nature of the restaurant, it is recommended to make a reservation at this relatively busy diner to avoid disappointments!

Operating hours: 11.30 am to 10.00 pm
Address: No. 9, Lawson Street, Hillary Plaza, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0705 666 666

Restaurant GURU

Restaurant GURU serves a variety of cuisines but is well known by the locals for its kotthu and Indian selections. The lively little café provides its customers with a treehouse setting, complete with a fireplace and slow flow live music on occasion, making it an ideal setting to indulge in a chilled-out drink.

Operating hours: 7.00 am to 11.00 pm
Address: No. 203/1a, St. Andrew’s Drive, Nuwara Eliya
Contact No: 0773 586 284
Instagram: restaurant_guru_ne

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