Friday Night Fusion: DJ Music, Great Drinks, and Unstoppable Energy
Ella is a town that whispers peace. As a solo traveller, I came here looking for solitude, challenging hikes, and the kind of tranquility that only misty mountains can provide. My days were filled with the quiet satisfaction of conquering Little Adam’s Peak and watching the iconic blue train crawl across the Nine Arch Bridge. But as my first Friday in town rolled around, I realised I was ready for something more than a quiet dinner and an early night. I was craving connection, energy, and a proper celebration to mark the end of a week on the road.
I was looking for the pulse of the town, and that's when I found it. Tucked away on the main street, glowing with warm lights and humming with a deep, infectious bassline, was Cafe One Love. I’d seen it during the day—a bohemian, multi-level structure—but at night, it had transformed into a beacon of vibrant, unstoppable energy. It wasn't just a cafe; it was a perfect fusion of local charm and global party atmosphere, and it quickly became one of the most electric memories of my solo trip.
Kicking Off the Weekend Solo (But Not Alone)
Walking into Cafe One Love, I instantly understood the magic. The atmosphere is an eclectic mix of Rasta-inspired bohemian cool. It’s built up the side of a hill, with multiple open-air levels protected by a great shelter, giving it a cozy, yet vast, feeling. I loved that the first thing you’re encouraged to do is kick off your shoes, an instant invitation to relax and shed the day's formalities.
The space was alive. Coloured lights illuminated vibrant artwork, and the air was thick with the scent of spices and, delightfully, a faint, sweet smoke from the Shisha area. I found a spot near the bar, perfectly positioned to watch the action unfold. As a solo traveller, finding a place that’s genuinely welcoming and easy to slip into is gold, and Cafe One Love felt exactly like that—a huge, communal living room for the world.
Dinner and Drinks That Set the Stage
The first order of business was dinner. Even though the atmosphere was already electric, the service was attentive, and I was able to enjoy a satisfying meal that provided the perfect foundation for a long night of dancing.
I opted for one of their famous wood-fired pizzas, a perfect handheld feast for a solo diner. The aroma of the crispy crust and melting cheese was irresistible. I watched pizzas of all kinds flying out of the kitchen—from classic Margherita to meaty options like Chicken Bacon Pizza and even fresh Seafood Pizza with fish, prawns, and squid. The food here is great quality and designed to fuel an evening of fun.
The Perfect Pour: Beer, Wine, and Cocktails
As my dinner plate was cleared, the focus shifted entirely to the bar. The selection of drinks here is genuinely impressive, catering to every phase of the party.
I started with a cold Beer. They offer a great range, including local favourites like Lion Draft and Lion Ice, alongside international staples like Heineken and Carlsberg. There's nothing quite like a cold beer to wash down a spicy dinner and transition into party mode.
Next, I decided to treat myself to the full weekend experience and moved onto a Cocktail. The Mojitos were calling my name. I loved the variety; you could choose from classic Mojito, or tropical flavours like Passionfruit Mojito or Watermelon Mojito. The burst of fresh lime and mint was the perfect zesty kick to boost the energy.
For a moment of sophisticated sipping, the availability of Wine—both red and white—was a nice touch. I saw couples sharing bottles of Australian Merlot and Italian Pinot Grigio at quieter tables, proving the cafe caters to all rhythms of the evening.
The Sensory Escape: Shisha and Shared Moments
One of the best features of Cafe One Love is its designated Shisha area. Tucked away on one of the levels, the gentle bubbling and fragrant smoke create a chilled-out contrast to the main dance floor. It’s a fantastic way to socialize and take a break from the high energy of the dancing.
I joined a small group of travellers I’d just met, and we shared a pipe, trading stories and travel tips in hushed tones over the fruity smoke. It’s in these moments that you realize the true genius of the cafe: it facilitates genuine, relaxed connection, which is invaluable for a solo traveller. The shisha zone provides a perfect fun, sensory escape, allowing you to stay connected to the party without being in the centre of the frenzy.
The Unstoppable Energy: DJ Music and the Dance Floor
The real fusion of the night happened on the dance floor. By 10 p.m., the sound system had been turned up, the lights were synchronized, and the party was in full swing. The DJ was exceptional, expertly reading the crowd and crafting a set that was impossible not to move to.
The music was an infectious blend of reggae, dancehall, Afro-beats, and global electronic hits. The sound was deep, the beats were crisp, and the atmosphere was electric. The crowd was a vibrant mix of nationalities—backpackers, locals, and families all moving together. This is where the "One Love" philosophy truly comes alive.
I found myself completely lost in the rhythm, free of the self-consciousness that often plagues a solo traveller. The energy was contagious, and the sheer fun of the moment wiped away any awkwardness. I started with a simple sway, but soon I was jumping, spinning, and laughing with strangers. The dance floor became a melting pot, a space where language barriers disappeared, and the only communication needed was a shared love for the music. It was a proper, sweaty, joyous, all-night party.
Ella's Secret Soul
As the hours dissolved into the early morning, I walked back down the stairs, tired but exhilarated. The bass had quietened, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the sound of the cool mountain breeze. My first Friday in Ella had delivered a memory far richer than any view I had chased on the trails.
Cafe One Love isn't just a party venue; it’s where Ella reveals its soul. It understands that travel is about balancing solitude with connection, and quiet days with nights of unstoppable fun. For a solo traveller, finding that welcoming hub is a crucial moment, and Cafe One Love delivered an electric Friday Night Fusion of music, drinks, and dance that I will never forget. If you find yourself in the hills, I highly recommend you trade your hiking plans for a night on the dance floor. The view is spectacular, but the party is legendary.