HoppersMarylebone

With three locations across London, Hoppers is the place to get a Sri Lankan foodie fix. The Marylebone site in particular takes its inspiration from the Tropical Modernist movement associated with the late Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Featuring a selection of signature dishes, and a cocktail menu crafted with ingredients from the spice gardens of Sri Lanka, be transported through a mix of tastes, smells and laid back atmosphere to a far flung land.

The menu is divided up into sections and is best tried shared between friends. Start with a selection of the short eats and bites and a kothu - a popular street dish made with finely chopped roti cooked with vegetables, meat or seafood, before moving on to mains.

The Hopper (a bowl shaped fermented rice and coconut milk pancake) of course is a must try, as are the kari (curries) together with the sambols or chutneys to dip.

If you can't decide, or haven't visited before, a great way to try a selection is to opt for the Taste of Hoppers menu. With two options - a vegetarian or meat menu - there is something for everyone and both menus feature delectable banana chips, dhal kari, raita and your choice of a hopper, dosa or basmati rice. Highlights of the veggie menu include jackfruit and mushroom kothu roti; hot butter chilli paneer; and aubergine kari. While the meat eaters can indulge in mutton roll and SL hot sauce; bone marrow varuval and roti; and jaffna crab kari.

Wash it all down with a glass of wine or a Metroland Colombo IPA. The signature cocktails don't disappoint, with the likes of the ruby punch - a blend of Five Rivers rum, red port, ceylon tea and kumquat; and the soft creations like ocean bloom - cold brew hibiscus and blackcurrant tea.

Hoppers also supports their own 'Feeding The Future' initiative in response to the ongoing political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka. In an effort to distribute nutritiously balanced dry rations to school children in disadvantage communities in Sri Lanka, a discretionary £1 is added to your bill. This can be removed should you wish, although it is a very worthy cause.