Ropewalk Debuts on Asia’s 50 Best Bars Extended List as the World’s First Arrack-Speciality Bar.
Ropewalk Galle, the world's first arrack-speciality bar, has made its debut on the prestigious Asia's 50 Best Bars Extended List, ranking at number 93 and becoming the only bar in Galle and just the third in Sri Lanka to be recognised by the influential global hospitality platform from the team behind The World's 50 Best Bars. The recognition marks another milestone for the bar, just over two years since opening its doors within the historic Galle Fort Hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort.
Since launching in 2024, Ropewalk has become synonymous with modern Sri Lankan mixology, placing arrack, the island's indigenous spirit, firmly at the centre of its identity through curated tastings and an ingredient-led cocktail programme inspired by Sri Lanka's landscapes, produce and culinary traditions. The bar is home to an arrack wall showcasing more than 75 expressions of the national spirit and was previously recognised by Condé Nast Traveller India as one of the region's Top 20 Bars.
Ropewalk continues to champion Sri Lankan mixology through an evolving cocktail programme and a series of international collaborations designed to introduce arrack to new audiences around the world. Signature cocktails include the Ropewalk, featuring forty-five-day spice-infused Old Cask Arrack with sous-vide ginger and lemongrass syrup; Only Nabeel Likes This, a blend of Old Reserve Arrack, kithul treacle and masala tea; and Gunpowder, combining Paradise White Arrack with chilli, cucumber, lemongrass and ginger ale.
The bar has also collaborated with internationally acclaimed venues including COA in Hong Kong, The Elephant Room in Singapore, BARC in Kathmandu and AMPM in Kolkata, further positioning Sri Lankan arrack on the global cocktail stage.
"From the beginning, our vision was to create a destination in historic Galle Fort that celebrates Sri Lankan arrack with the same respect afforded to the world's great spirits," said Amrit Rajaratnam, founder of Ropewalk.
"Being recognised by Asia's 50 Best Bars is an important moment not only for Ropewalk, but for Sri Lankan bar culture as a whole. We hope this recognition encourages more travellers to discover the history, craftsmanship and versatility behind our indigenous spirit, and the camaraderie, joy and warmth it fosters."
Ropewalk forms part of Island Life, Sri Lanka, the homegrown boutique hospitality group behind Galle Fort Hotel, The Warden's House and Thotalagala; three distinctive properties that reflect the diversity of the island, from historic coastal enclaves and wildlife-rich landscapes to the quiet tea-covered hills of the central highlands. The group's fourth boutique property, Umi Hiriketiya, is scheduled to open in October 2026.
