Journey Insights

There’s something magical about midweek evenings in Ella. The sleepy little mountain town, usually known for its misty mornings and peaceful hikes, has a secret side that comes alive when the sun dips behind the tea hills. And I discovered that secret one Wednesday night at Cafe One Love, a vibrant little spot where laughter spills onto the street, music floats into the night air, and glasses clink to the rhythm of good times.

This wasn’t just another dinner out; it was an experience that blended food, drink, dance, and friendship into one unforgettable evening. Let me take you there.

First Impressions: A Warm Glow in the Hills

Walking up the lantern-lit steps into Cafe One Love, I felt like I’d stumbled into a festival tucked away in the mountains. Wooden tables glowed under fairy lights, reggae beats pulsed softly in the background, and the air was laced with the scent of smoky grills and freshly poured wine.

Locals and travellers alike were gathered here, swapping stories over plates of colourful food and raising glasses of chilled beer. It wasn’t the polished, polished kind of place you find in cities—it was something more genuine, more soulful. A place that seemed designed for joy.

The First Sip: Cocktails that Spark Conversations

Friends around me went for the Margarita, and I couldn’t resist stealing a sip. Zesty, sharp, and cooling—it was the perfect balance to the tropical warmth of the evening.

Wine glasses sparkled across tables, beer bottles clinked casually, and the air was filled with that unmistakable sound of relaxed cheer. The kind of sound that only comes when everyone knows they’re exactly where they’re meant to be. Mojito, and I loved that they had so many flavours. I went for the classic, but they also have Mango, Passionfruit, Pineapple, and Watermelon Mojitos. Each one is made with rum, lime, and mint, and they’re so refreshing. +

My friend went for a Long Island Iced Tea, which looked absolutely brilliant. We also grabbed a couple of cold beers to enjoy with our food. They have local favourites like Lion and Lion Ice, as well as international brands like Heineken and Carlsberg. They even have Somersby Apple or Blackberry cider, which is perfect for a warm evening. The wide variety of drinks means there's always something to suit your mood.

When the Music Takes Over

By nine o’clock, the mellow background tunes gave way to something bolder. The DJ nudged up the tempo, lights dimmed, and the dance floor filled almost instantly.

I found myself swept into the middle with a group of new friends—travellers from Germany, a couple from Colombo, and a few locals who clearly knew all the moves. The reggae blended into pop, then into thumping dance tracks that made it impossible to sit still.

There’s something liberating about dancing in a place like this. Nobody’s checking their phones. Nobody cares how you move. It’s pure, unfiltered joy—people from all over the world sharing a rhythm under the same roof.

Between songs, we’d slip back to the table for a gulp of cold beer or a cheeky shot before diving back into the crowd. And honestly, it felt like Wednesday had reinvented itself—no longer just that awkward middle-of-the-week day, but a reason to celebrate.

Conversations Over Wine

At some point, I swapped cocktails for a glass of Merlot. Smooth, rich, and calming—it slowed the pace just enough for me to sink into one of those long, winding conversations with strangers who start to feel like old friends.

We talked about hikes to Ella Rock, train journeys through tea fields, and the odd magic of finding yourself in a little mountain café halfway around the world, dancing with people you’d never met before.

That’s the charm of places like Cafe One Love. They’re not just restaurants. They’re meeting points, memory-makers, and the kind of places that tie travellers’ stories together.

Why Wednesday Nights Matter

What struck me most was the timing. Wednesday. Not Friday, not Saturday—the so-called “party nights.” But here in Ella, Wednesday has its own rhythm.

It’s midweek enough that you don’t expect much, which makes it even better when the night blossoms into something extraordinary. You go in thinking you’ll have a quiet dinner, and you end up dancing barefoot with new friends until closing time.

That surprise, that sense of stumbling into joy, is what makes it unforgettable.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

If you’re planning to check out a Wednesday night at Cafe One Love (and you absolutely should), here are a few little tips:

• Arrive early if you want a good table—it fills up quickly as the music heats up.
• Start with a cocktail to set the mood, then switch to beer or wine as the night goes on.
• Share plates—the pizzas are generous, and passing slices around the table just adds to the camaraderie.
• Wear something comfortable for dancing. Trust me, you won’t want to stay seated all night.
• And finally, bring an open spirit. This isn’t just about food and drink—it’s about joining in, meeting people, and letting the night carry you.

As I finally leaned back, catching my breath from the dance floor, I looked around at the fairy-lit tables, the happy blur of faces, the clinking glasses, and the DJ spinning yet another irresistible track. And I thought to myself: this is what travel is really about.

Not just the landmarks, not just the guidebook highlights, but the nights where you let go, taste something new, laugh with strangers, and feel like you’ve truly lived in a moment.

So here’s my toast: to wine, beer, and midweek cheer, to Wednesdays that feel like Fridays, and to Cafe One Love for turning an ordinary evening into a memory I’ll carry for a long, long time.

If you ever find yourself in Ella, don’t wait for the weekend. Step into One Love on a Wednesday night. Dance, drink, dine, and discover the magic for yourself.