Jetwing Hotels recently embarked on an ambitious new venture with Virticle by Jetwing, Colombo’s highest open-air rooftop bar and restaurant. Located on the 30th floor of Access Towers II, Colombo 2, with Virticle, Jetwing expands into the restaurant and dining space of Colombo.
Virticle by Jetwing features two distinct spaces – a bar with a fully open-air deck and a semi-open lounge, and an indoor restaurant. Walking into the restaurant and bar is like walking into a dream – the view is unmatched; there is not an inch of Colombo that can’t be seen from the top floor. The gorgeous view alone allows Virticle to be a great spot for a romantic date or even a relaxing family outing.
The bar, with live music on selected days, a range of signature cocktails, an extensive selection of local and international beverages, and favourite bar delicacies, offers incredible views over the skyline of Colombo and the Indian Ocean beyond. Having tried some of their signature cocktails, we were very impressed with the quality and taste – going so far as to say these were some of the best cocktails we’d had in a long time. The cocktails feature ingredients like local spices, fruits, and even coffee, thus utilising everything our rich heritage has to offer.
Home to one of the largest screens in Colombo, the bar is also a great place to enjoy popular sporting events with your friends.
In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties, sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of their key focus areas. Virticle is one such venture that has taken their aim at sustainability to a new level by promoting an almost exclusive use of locally sourced ingredients and produce.
The restaurant on the 30th floor adjoining the bar delights patrons with an exquisite “home-grown” menu with fresh ingredients and produce from the organic gardens of the Jetwing family of hotels spread across the island as well as local farmers and suppliers.
We actually had the opportunity to experience a sampling menu from their fine dining menu. All the meat and veggies offered on the menu were home-grown and locally sourced, as the restaurant hopes to promote local sales and keep a steady income flowing throughout our country. The main course consisted of a choice of chicken confit, braised beef, or local barramundi fish fillet. While we felt the chicken and fish could have been seasoned better, the beef was slow-cooked to perfection – the meat was juicy and practically falling off the bone. The restaurant also notably caters towards vegans and vegetarians with creative dishes made from our local produce.
For those looking for international delicacies, the restaurant menu also features a specially curated menu of the finest seafood and meat from around the world. Complementing the meals perfectly are the wines offered at the restaurant, with vintages from acclaimed wineries across the world.
Family-owned and in the tourism industry for the past 48 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectations in every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries, Virticle captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create, and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment.