In the same week that it celebrated its fifth birthday, Hoppers launched Cash & Kari, a new online and in-store retail platform for meal kits, restaurant-blend curry powders, Sri Lankan spices, ready-to-drink cocktails, and Hoppers’ own-brew beers.

Described by the group as a “Sri Lankan ‘corner shop’ for modern times”, the Cash & Kari store opened for orders from Wednesday October 28.

It is clear Hoppers, which opened in Soho in 2015, has pinpointed a sturdy new revenue stream in challenging times. The West End has been particularly damaged by coronavirus, and the shop will, we hope, help to steer the ship.

Example products:

• Paneer Kothu (£30 for 2-3 people)

Banana Chips; Vegetable Rolls with Sri Lankan Hot Sauce; Paneer Kothu; Tempered Yoghurt; and Choco-Coco Biskut Pudding

• Lamb Kothu (£30 for 2-3 people)

Banana Chips; Mutton Rolls with Sri Lankan Hot Sauce; Lamb Kothu; Tempered Yoghurt; and Choco-Coco Biskut Pudding

• Kalupol Chicken (£45 for 3-4 people)

Banana Chips; Mutton Rolls with Sri Lankan Hot Sauce; Roast Kalupol Chicken; Pol Rotis; Seeni Sambol; Lunu Miris; Carrot and Coriander Sambol; and Choco-Coco Biskut Puddings

The meal kits will be customisable and will develop as time goes on.

The restaurant director Karan Gokani sas:id“Developing a retail presence has always been in the pipeline, but the last few months really showed us the demand for it, pushing us to bring our products to market.

“Just like Hoppers was inspired by the toddy shops and street food stalls in Sri Lanka and South India, Cash & Kari emulates the small family-run shops in towns and cities across the region – selling their own blend of spices, batters, snacks and homemade drinks.

“We are very excited to bring a taste of Hoppers into homes across the country, at a time when not everyone can enjoy the pleasure of dining out.”