Friday 26th April 2024
British Tamil entrepreneurs open south London’s latest go-to hotspot Copper Ceylon
- 20th November 2020
- POST IN :FOOD
Ask any restauranteur, starting a new establishment is hard work. What’s even more difficult is launching a restaurant during a global pandemic.
However that didn’t deter British Tamil entrepreneurs Lavanya and Haran Thurairajah, the husband and wife team behind South London’s latest go-to hotspot Copper Ceylon.
Haran and Lavanya have been active members of the British Tamil community for several years, funding and supporting organisations the likes of Kick Start (via Tamil Aid) a grassroots sports initiative in London and Sri Lanka’s north east.
Their passion to start their own place, serving food that they have grown up with and experienced on their travels, has been on the couples to do list for a few years.
In January 2020 they acquired their perfect location, a few minutes drive from their home in Bromley. They wanted clear visibility and what better than the bustling, energetic main high street in Bromley – walking distance from the well known Glades shopping centre and other popular bars and restaurants.
The head chef at the Curry Leaf Hilton in Colombo and the head bartender / mixologist at the SkyView bar in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab were chosen and secured soon after.
Despite COVID-19 and lockdown measures bringing the majority of London’s restaurants and bar trade to a standstill, the couple didn’t cut back on the refurbishment spend. They decided the show must go on and it did. The deco and ambiance speak for itself. Opulent ruby and sapphire velvet sofas inspired by Sri Lankan jewels, imported ratan chairs, silk wallpaper and an uncompromising bar that without a doubt will stock your favourite tipple and innovate mouthwatering cocktails.
A week-long series of intimate dining events in late August signaled the launch of their plush new Sri Lankan restaurant and cocktail bar. Copper Ceylon has since been the talk of Bromley, a quiet suburb in South London.
Copper Ceylon prides itself in Sri Lankan cuisine – regional staples and cultural delicacies alongside much loved delicious cocktails and mocktails.
Bringing a warm welcoming smile to visitors and taking pride of place is their very own road-ready rickshaw.
Outstanding dishes include the quaint short eats, specifically the meaty mutton rolls and vegan jackfruit patties. Their moorish batter fried cuttlefish is a must. The Kothu roti is moist and flavourful. Another favourite was the Jaffna mutton curry, with the right amount of heat and perfectly paired with hoppers and seasoned rice. Dishes are made to order so feel free to request your desired heaty-ness.
London’s lockdown is expected to be lifted in early December at which point we recommend visiting Copper Ceylon for a well deserved dining experience.
