Hop & Spice

I was disappointed when I visited the restaurant on Wednesday. Although the look of the restaurant and atmosphere were welcoming, I and my friends found the food rather bland. I am afraid I will not be returning as there are some very much cheaper restaurants serving much tastier food in the vicinity.
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6 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 4
Thursday, July 28, 2011

It was by chance we stumbled upon this little gem of a restaurant in Balham but boy am I glad we did. The food was absolutely wonderful; unlike anything i've had before. A mixture of tradional curry flavours with a modern twist that satisfied every one of our 7 friends (even the fussy ones). The restaurant also managed to provide friendly and attentive staff that didn't make us feel rushed (a bug bear I have with a few other places). I can't believe I have missed out and settled for second class curries when this place exists 10 minutes from my door. Definitaly a winner in the Balham restaurant stakes. Love it.
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Adrian
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Food was very disappointing. Starters of spicy lamb and potato cakes were so hard I nearly broke my knife and the spicy tuna fishcakes were violently hot! The lamb keema main was also very disappointing along with the devilled chicken which was way too sweet. Needless to say we did not order a dessert. Won't be going again.
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Tippi
3 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Monday, September 06, 2010

My partner and I lived in Balham for 18 months and must have eaten here at least 10 times within that period. Hop and Spice is one of our favourite restaurants. Not only is the food delicious, the service is always pleasant, the beer selection is excellent and we always get little dishes to try 'on the house'.

We opt for the tapas style Thali dishes and I have enjoyed every one of them. Each dish has it's own individual taste and they are a great portion size so that you can try a few and not end up stuffed!

We moved away over a year ago and still go back here every so often as it's so good.

If I have one criticism it's to bring back the Innes and Gunn beer!!! I miss it :)
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Gillian
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, July 12, 2010

I went to Hop and Spice purely for the reason that it was en route from Balham train station to my flat. I've walked past it many times and been impressed by the ambiance, but never taken the plunge until last night. Suffice to say that I was blown away by the food - I've never eaten Sri Lankan before, but the subtlety of the spices was incredible. And I particularly enjoyed the 5 pints of Old Speckled Hen I was able to wash it down with...

Overall, definitely not your average local curry house - highly recommended.
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9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, October 15, 2009

Our party of 8 has a monthly objective of discovering new pubs and Asian restaurants. Because the restaurant we originally planned to go to was closed this evening our host selected Hop & Spice.

At 8.30pm this place looked splendid, a Victorian property on the corner with a welcoming facade and warm interior. When we entered the only 2 tables occupied were finishing their meals - which left us, not that we don't like our own company.

Now call me picky but the best restaurants I have been to tend to be, for example, Tapas Bars run by Spanish, Indians run by Indians, Italians run by Italians, etc...

The young lady running Hop & Spice (a Sri Lankan restaurant) this evening was French and her waiter, who was being trained in front of us on his 2nd night, was also not Sri Lankan.

As per normal we selected the national beer which was called Lion Beer. This is light but avoid it if you like beer - no fault of Hop & Spice.

The papadoms were crisp and delicious with nice pickles. The main courses were, however, stodgy and uninteresting.

Unfortunately our payment was '£8 short 'of £216 even though we all remember submitting the correct amount but let's not dwell on that.

Hop & Spice is pleasant but the food is not pleasant enough - and is it cooked by a Sri Lankan?!
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Mike
5 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, October 06, 2009