&Pepper enters with a bang

By Madushka Balasuriya 

One Galle Face Mall is fast becoming Colombo’s go-to destination for those in favour of culinary delights, and the latest entrant into OGF’s smorgasbord of restaurants is the &Pepper Seafood Lounge Bar.

Located on the outer perimeter of the OGF premises, &Pepper is the latest addition to Gills Hospitality’s portfolio, which also holds the British Pub & Fish N’ Chips on the OGF rooftop terrace, Colombo Bistro at Colombo City Arcade and the Dutch Pub at the Colombo Colonial Fort, under its banner

Last week Daily FT attended the official launch event for &Pepper, where we were treated to an evening of cocktails, music, and tasty bites, as the restaurant showed off its proverbial chops.

The Fish Boat

Where else to start but the ‘The Fish Boat,’ which is &Pepper’s very own seafood market, showcasing the restaurant’s array of fresh seafood such as lagoon crabs, lobster, mussels, oysters, clams and prawns. On the night we were even treated to a live demonstration of &Pepper’s mouthwatering Black Pepper Crab being cooked. Made using hard-shell crabs with Sri Lankan black pepper, it’s an iconic Singaporean dish that is now undoubtedly as popular in Sri Lanka. 

The full menu meanwhile is expected to offer as complete a selection of crab dishes one might hope to find, with dishes such as Jaffna Curry Crab, Garlic Chilli Crab, and Singapore Chilli Crab all on the menu, while there will also be some trademark Sri Lankan seafood dishes such as the Balapitiya Fish Ambul Thiyal and Negombo Prawn Curry.

Gills Hospitality Director Suvi Wijayaratne (left) presenting the first copy of ‘Explore Colombo’ to Iraj Weeraratne

Gills Food Products Chairman Roshan De Zoysa (left) presenting the Explore Colombo Sri Lanka Travel Card to former SLTDA Chairman Dr. Rohantha Athukorala

Bites and cocktails

While we will have to wait for another day to try those dishes out, the bites and beverages on offer throughout the course of the evening allowed &Pepper’s kitchen and bar staff to really show off their skills.

We loved the hot butter cuttlefish, which was cooked to perfect, with a glorious mix of sweet and spice. The colour of the dish too was enrapturing, with the bright hits of red from the chilli providing the ideal pop to the glistening orange hue of the cuttlefish.

A word must also go out to the mutton samosa. Yes, it was clearly fried in oil, but my goodness was it worth it. With a filling comprised of minced mutton and mushy potatoes, it was a simple dish but it underlined an intuitive understanding of flavours.

This no doubt owed a great deal to &Pepper’s use of fresh and organic farm spices direct from local farmers. Branded ‘Ceylon Spice Masters,’ these are used in all menus.

“By sourcing direct from our local farmers we engage our farming communities and ensure their sustainably,” explains Gills Food Products Chairman Roshan De Soyza “We’re also taking Ceylon spices to the world through our Ceylon Spice Masters value added spices available with a Sri Lankan recipe book.”

These Ceylon Spices are also utilised to create unique signature beverages, with &Pepper’s Ceylon Spice-infused Cocktail & Wine Bar offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, all of which are inspired by Sri Lankan spices herbs and tropical fruits.

Solid first impression

While this is obviously not a complete review, the early signs for the &Pepper Seafood Lounge Bar are as promising as can be. Located on the picturesque Galle Face stretch, with its alfresco seating overlooking Galle Face Green, it’s great for either a quick stop after work or a pre-planned evening with friends and family.

Add to this talented kitchen and bar staff, and dishes and beverages geared towards the Lankan palate, this just might be a winner.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola