Ace Fusion (CLOSED)

This cosy, friendly restaurant (not a common species around Clapham Junction) serves some of London’s most creative Caribbean food. Ace is a bright place, with dark-wood flooring, a red-and-yellow colour scheme, big windows and a mezzanine dining area. A quick scan of its menu promises much in the way of tantalising fruit, vegetable, meat and booze concoctions: sautéed prawns in garlic butter, flamed with dark rum; West Indian houmous (a purée of sweet cannellini beans mixed with sour cream and monterey jack cheese) served with plantain wedges; breast of chicken stuffed with mango and coated in breadcrumbs. Fortunately, the food is cooked with great care, whether you order these specials or opt for classics such as jerk chicken (available mild or hot), freshly prepared coleslaw, ackee, curried goat, or baked cod. There are British options too, but you’d be mad not to sample the jollof rice, or the peppery (and not overly sweet) house sauces. One clever addition is a fruit bowl dessert containing bananas, mango and strawberries: the ideal coda to a fiery jerk dish or curry. Staff gently encourage diners to try something different – or at least another cocktail. A warm, wonderful little local. Now closed.