The comfort and pleasure one derives from a place where the basics are done well, time after time, cannot be underestimated. Opened seven years ago and the forerunner to three other successful sites – The Abbeville and The Stonhouse in Clapham, and The White Hart in Kennington – Cinnamon Cay continues to serve the loyal and repeat customers of SW11 admirably. First impressions are everything. The place looked warm and inviting. Deep reds on the walls worked well with dark furniture and stripped oak floors. Tea lights on tables helped add to the glow while an open kitchen lent some theatre and smells to the venue. The staff also were spot on, showing just the right amount of attention without crowding. I would describe the food here as ‘traditional meets fusion’ cooking with a select menu of eight or so starters and a similar number of mains. We tried a trio of starters. Shredded duck spring rolls were delicious, crisp flaky filo pastry and well-seasoned duck crammed inside. Thai fishcakes were clean and refreshing with perhaps just a little more lime and chilli required, while the salted crocodile croquettes with wasabi mayo and spicy bravas dipping sauce were excellent. Main courses didn’t disappoint here either. Portion sizes were hearty. Roast reef fish with coconut and tamarind sauce, served with fragrant rice, was cooked well; moist, tender and not overwhelmed by either the sauce or rice. My pick of Chermoula-marinated lamb rump was a Moroccan-style tastebud sensation, the lamb beautifully tender with a moorish char-grilled aroma to it, complemented well by soft chickpeas, sour cream and babaganush. Long may Cinnamon Cay continue to spice up Lavender Hill.
Two-course meal for two with bottle of wine: £50