Hop & Spice

We had a great time here, firstly the stafe we great and welcoming, the smell as you enter is great just makes you want to ask, can i have what ever that smell is! we were sat down, and then we were asked if we want to sit at the back as they had a cancilation lovely little spot real intimate and just what a couple want! Me and my parter had amazing starters, (which filled us up) the main was great too and we took some of it away in a bag which is not something we often do! overa great place, prices not too shabby but great atmospher, and the staff are amazingly happy and make you feel right at home,
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Rob Gasior
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Thursday, January 26, 2012

Decided last minute to go here on New Years eve and my partner and I both had a very good time.

The menu was very well presented, had a brief introduction to Sri Lankan food and a fantastic range of dishes to choose from. We opted for the Thali dishes (6 small dishes with rice, and bread) so as to be able to try as many things as possible, and being my first time trying Sri Lankan, thought this was a brilliant option. The suggested meal for 2 made took the intimidation out trying to make everything go together, and with slight swaps on dishes, allowed for customisations to suit our tastes. The menu also suggests beers to go with each dish, the pricing is clear - depending on whether going for Thali or normal sized portions, and I thought the overall cost was very reasonable.

The staff were helpful, explaining what things were to us, and the overall atmosphere was very pleasant. Looking forward to going back very soon.
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ryank87 - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

This is a genuinely good eatery that we've been using for years now. The menu seems to go from strength to strength, but the staple dishes remain excellent. We always have the chilli chicken, slow cooked beef, aubergine salad (to die for)...The beers are very interesting - it's unique to be able to wash down the beautiful flavours with a choice of real ales. It's not the cheapest, but it's good value, and we always leave stuffed. Top tips - ask for a doggy bag, it tastes just as good the next day, and book as it can get busy!
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Jas
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, December 30, 2011

Had a takeaway there tonight and the food was bland and keeps repeating on me. The portions are ridiculously small for the price - should have gone next door for a indian curry and paid half the price. Not recommended at all. :(
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4 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Saturday, December 17, 2011

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