‘Relentless recession' to blame for Hop & Spice restaurant's closure

Sri Lankan restaurant Hop & Spice in Balham is to close, blaming the "relentless recession" for its demise.

Owner Bahi Sivalingam announced on the restaurant's Facebook page that the doors would be closed for the final time in the next few weeks.

He added: "We will be yet another casualty of this relentless recession. I could rant on about escalating taxes etc etc, but far more important is to say a huge thank you to my brilliant Hop & Spice team."

The restaurant was known for its sharing-style Thali menu which included Kerralan chicken simmered with roasted spices, coconut cream and fresh coriander, squid serendip cooking in a rice tamarind and spice sauce, and classic Sri Lankan rotti's of shredded bread tossed with onion, chilli and egg.

Dishes were accompanied by a craft beer menu that showcased lesser known beers, with suggested accompaniments for each dish.

Sivalingam added: "I can't tell you what a fabulous adventure bringing my wonderful mother's home cooked curries to Balham has been. Despite the trials it has been enormous fun."

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