|
 The name "ACE Fusion" stands for "African Carribean English"
and a visit to this
lovely, corner situated restaurant on St Johns Hill allows you an experience of
the successful blend of these three distinctive cultures. Front of house seems
the perfect title to describe the role of the two ladies who both own and run
this delightful eatery; the welcome to each guest, is as warm as if it were in
their own home. Between them, Femi and Sharon represent an exotic mix of
Jamaican, Guyanese and Nigerian blood, however this formidable team are local as
they come - both grew up here in South London.
Sharing a huge passion for
food, as well as the life-long desire to own and run their very own restaurant,
Femi spent 8 years gathering experience in the catering industry before opening
ACE Fusion with Sharon on 20th December 2007. A fairly new addition to this
thriving street, but already diners have come to enjoy the ever-smiling service
and the honest, home-cooked style cuisine and of course, glass or two of the
famous ACE Fusion rum punch!
I had little experience of traditional and
authentic Jamaican or indeed Nigerian food when first I visited ACE Fusion, but
Femi soon put me at ease by delicately explaining the origin of the foods, their
tastes and importantly, the varying levels of spice: "easy does it, medium hot
or blow your head off?"! The selection certainly has something to suit all
tastes; I choose the not-too-hot option and thoroughly enjoyed the tangy, deep
taste of the jerk marinade and of course the plantain chips with rice and peas
(or kidney beans as we call them!). My companion chose the rum and garlic prawns
and I must say I think I felt a pang of envy when they arrived at our table; the
juicy and refreshing new tastes are what makes this African-Caribbean and
English ensemble really work. Add to that the fantastic service from the
hostesses and their team, ambient music, fabulous food and altogether this is
great value for money. Enjoying a meal at ACE Fusion is easy - just book a table
and see for yourself.
The ACE Fusion ladies researched for 2 years before
planting their business on St Johns Hill and say their neighbour, fellow traders
are lovely and have been hugely supportive since their opening last year. Femi
and Sharon particularly love being part of the Hill because there exists a
feeling of community, which they agree must be protected and encouraged; I
certainly think these restaurateurs contribute to the community spirit - their
smiley, relaxed presence is a breath of fresh air amongst the usual London
anonymity. They point our that another benefit of being on St Johns Hill, is
that parking is free and easy after 4.30pm; stopping for a bite to eat or
relaxing for the whole evening is hassle-free right outside their frontage. ACE
Fusion opens 7 days a week, to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and can seat up
to 69 people at once - an intimate and atmospheric restaurant, with enough space
to book a private party should you wish. Femi and Sharon tell me they enjoy
looking after all the regular faces at their restaurant, as well as welcoming
new ones too. If you fancy a large helping of Afro-Caribbean-European warmth
both on your plate and in your heart, then visit ACE Fusion and enjoy it for
yourself.
|
