Soif

Last week I had a fantastic meal at Soif ("thirsty" in French - they have a good-looking wine list), a new restaurant on Battersea Rise, which is a few minutes walk from Clapham Junction. The place looked very low-key from the outside (so much so that we walked past it at first!), but once inside it had a great atmosphere, with the menu freshly chalked up on the wall, smiling staff, and a busy kitchen.

When I saw bouillabaisse on the menu, I just had to have it. The soup was lovely and rich and full of fishy flavour, just like it should be. It was served with a delicious rouille, crispy croutons, and Gruyère to sprinkle on top, which gave a lovely melted cheese texture. My bowl was absolutely spotless when I'd finished!

For mains, I had a very rustic-looking hake dish. It came with chickpeas, which gave an earthy undertone to the flavour and highlighted that taste in the fish itself. There was also a superb Romesco sauce, which added a wonderful nutty and and slightly garlic finish to a very tasty plate.

I was very impressed with the quality of everything I ate, and also the generous helping and friendly waiters. I'd recommend giving it a visit, even if just to try the bouillabaisse!

They don't get have a website since it only recently opened, but contact details are: 27 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG. Tel: 0207 223 1112)