Could SW10 be London’s answer to New York’s meatpacking district? Okay, so Chelsea darlings rarely get their hands bloody but they do know a good steakhouse when they see one.

The Venue
Located on what’s known as Chelsea Beach, the stretch of the Fulham Road surrounding the retro cinema, Sophie’s is a truly New York inspired steakhouse. Under its canopied frontage it’s proving to be quite the buzzing joint. Inside the decor is the epitome of industrial chic. Solid, natural wood tables, oxblood banquettes and bare brick walls are all tastefully lit by bare lightbulbs casually slung over exposed steel airvents, in a true tribute to Edison. The main dining area seats over 90 (expect it to be packed to the rafters even on weeknights) and the bar can squeeze in another 25 or so.

The Atmosphere
Sophie’s no booking policy ensures no favouritism with a first come, first served basis. However, since the kitchen is open until 11.45pm (except Sundays) hungry bellies will rarely go without. The staff are friendly without being over-the-top and are swift and efficient. Sophie’s definitely attracts that Chelsea blend of clientele where age, status and style have no reverence. Some come for a swift burger and a pint, whereas others like a good steak and a linger over another bottle of Sophie’s bargain price reserve.

The Food
As soon as you’re seated a small wooden dish filled with strips of salami arrives on the table along with the menus. Snacking on the salty meat gives you a chance to peruse the menu which has the odd retro surprise in store. The goat’s cheese and field mushroom starter (£5.95) is a tasty and surprisingly fancy dish. Soft, almost sweet brioche is topped with a firm mushroom cup, creamy grilled chevre, peppery rocket and drizzled with a sticky sweet balsamic vinegar. The traditional prawn cocktail (£7.50) is a real treat. A huge sundae glass is jam-packed with iceberg lettuce, tiny cubes of cucumber and plump pink prawns in a ketchupy Marie Rose. Although this flashback to the Seventies does come at a hefty price, it’s fabulous.

Obviously being a steakhouse, the various cuts of best bovine is the first thing that catches your eye. The 8oz of prime fillet of beef (£21.50) is cooked to utter perfection and has the danger to render diners mute for the duration of the main course. Served with a buttery bearnaise and perfect chips, it is definitely a contender for the last supper. The 10oz rib eye (£17.50) is marbled with fat to ensure that it is juicy and succulent all the way through and is tasty and plentiful. There’s a good selection of side dishes including the hilarious (yet traditional) iceberg wedge with blue cheese dressing and bacon bits (£3.95). For fans of the much-maligned iceberg, it is transformed when doused in delicious home-made blue cheese dressing and salty crispy bacon. It’s probably not your healthiest salad, but it’s fresh, crisp and cheesy in every sense of the word. Other must-try’s include a lobster and avocado club sandwich (£15.50), the popular black Angus burger (£9.95) and the decent selection of homemade pies.

Despite the huge portions, do try to keep some space for a dessert. Sophie’s is known for its cheesecake and homemade offerings include a dark and white chocolate variety (£5.95). A crisp, buttery cocoa base is topped with a firm, almost crumbly chocolatey cheese and topped with shavings of white chocolate. The lemon meringue pie (£5.50) (yet another nod to the Seventies) is not quite as impressive as the cheesecake, as the tangy lemon sauce and crumbly base is let down slightly by the hard meringue.

The Drink
The small but bustling bar at the front of Sophie’s is fully stocked sating any alcoholic desire. The wine list is nice and varied without really going too over the top. Possibly the greatest surprise is the house wine. Sophie’s Reserve is a wallet-loving £12.95 a bottle, which is almost unheard of here in SW10, and very drinkable it is too. For those who love to really splash out on the vino, try the Chateau Prieure Lichine 2003 at a smidge under a £95, it’s the ultimate in decadence when ordered to accompany your burger.

There are plenty of decent mid-range wines such as an Albarino (£28.75), the fabulously-named Angus the Bull, a wine specifically designed with steak in mind (£29.50) and of course the heavenly Cloudy Bay (£39.95). For fizz fans, a bottle of Prosecco will set you back £20 or maybe try a nice sparkly Stellenbosch for a touch more at £23.50.

The Last Word
There is very good reason why Sophie’s is busy every single night. It serves excellent, well-priced food in a hip, Manhattan-style atmosphere. Recommended.

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