Sober Social Colombo - Colombo’s First Dry Bar launched

Sober Social Colombo – the city’s first dry bar is a cozy hangout spot that offers a one-of-a-kind experience with 0% alcohol and 100% fun

Redefining the concept of nightlife, Sober SocialColombo – the city’s first dry bar opened its doors to the public last week. Located at the first floor of Arcade, Independence Square, this cozy hangout spot guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience with 0% alcohol and 100% fun. 

Sober Social Colombo is a concept from the same team of individuals who introduced Chaiwala Colombo during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a street concept has now evolved into a premium concept, providing a unique experience to everyone who is willing to enjoy a sober nightlife. “We wanted to set foot into the premium industry and we thought the ideal place to launch this new venture would be Colombo 7 considering the potential customer base, convenient parking and easy access,” said Shehan Sameen, Director, Chaiwala Colombo and Sober Social Colombo. 

One of the highlights at Sober Social Colombo, apart from non alcoholic cocktails, wines and beer is its interior. As you enter, it may give you an impression as to whether you’re entering a wild sanctuary of sorts, minus actual animals. With life-size trees and plants punctuating the space, the bar has been designed to a niche concept to provide its customers with the ultimate nightlife experience. 

Speaking about the interior design, Sameen said that they travelled around in search of a niche concept and decided to transform the space into a sanctuary-like atmosphere, in order to present a unique vibe to the customers. “We worked as a team to make this all of this possible. Our team worked tirelessly to do everything from the bar to the kitchen to the sitting area,” he added.

When asked about the drinks available on the menu, he said that for the first time in the country, Sober Social Colombo has introduced alcohol substitutes. “It’s a bar minus the alcohol. The drinks may look like alcohol, taste like alcohol but they are zero proof. There’s no alcohol and anybody can come and enjoy the experience. So finally people can drink and drive now!” he laughed. 

At Sober Social Colombo, one can savour the flavours of a specially curated gourmet, fusion, à la carte menu with a premium drink range. “The food is presented in an artistic manner. When someone walks in they may think that the meals are expensive but it is not. We have a variety of meals and beverages and it is affordable entertainment for anyone,” Sameen added.  He further said that as a country focused on tourism there are national policies in place to promote Halal tourism. There’s a global trend moving towards non-alcoholic, healthy meals. This is a place for anyone to walk in, enjoy the drinks, meals and have a good time on a sober note,” Sameen added while inviting everyone to come and get a glimpse of Colombo’s first dry bar experience. 

 Pix courtesy SS