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It’s not often I come across a restaurant offering a type of food I haven’t tried before, but this is the first time I’ve eaten Sri Lankan cuisine. I have to say I was impressed. I was tempted in by the chef who was giving away free samples of delicious freshly cooked rice flour pancakes with an aubergine filling. When I saw the sign the next day advertising Express Lunch £3.49, I simply couldn’t resist.

The experience started the second we opened the door and were hit with a waft of incense. We were the first diners of the day, but it was early on Thursday lunch time and in no time at all a handful of other customers had joined us. The decor is a little strange, sort of half Sri Lankan and half French (it was previously a French place) but I couldn’t say that was a bad thing. The waiter was friendly, if a little slow, and in no time at all we’d ordered. The menu was vast and I was thankful we were only ordering the express lunch - essentially a plate of rice with two vegetarian curries, or for an extra 50p a chicken dish instead. We might otherwise have been some time putting on order together.

The food we received was really very good when you consider the price. The portions were not huge, but looking at the other dinners who ordered from the main menu, I suspect this is not always the case. Both my vegtarion companion and me were impressed. The chicken was well cooked, flavoursome and nicely spiced. The flavours were perfect, not too strongly spiced or hot, but well balanced. The aubergine dish was delicious and there was a tasty dahl with the vegetarian lunch. The waiter also whipped up a pretty good massala tea, even though this was not on the menu and we tried the tastey Sri Lankan cola which was abit like a sweet Sasprilla. The drinks were the only downside, costing £1.90 for a coke which is expensive considering it’s really just a can.

Overall I was really pleased to try this place out. It’s literally on my doorstep so I’m expecting to go back many times. It’s on Lavender Hill, about 10 mins walk from Clapham Junction, and I have to say that they’ve chosen an extremely competitive patch to open up in. There’s been at least half a dozen restaurants open and close on Lavender HIll this year alone. Hopefully the Ceylon Tavern’s slightly different approach will help them to stand out from the crowd. Good luck!

Overall rating 7.5/10.