Sophie's Steakhouse, London

I was meeting a friend for dinner last night. Being a Saturday night I suggested Sophie's Steakhouse in Chelsea. It has a no bookings policy. On arrival you give your name in exchange for a number which is called out on a board when your table is ready. Until then you can have drinks at the bar area.

It is a very busy and vibrant place. The crowd is very hip and trendy and one of ‘see and be seen’. This is Chelsea after all. Ordering a drink was a challenge as the bar was so busy. The cocktail menu is a varied one. Lot's of martinis and champagne cocktails, making you hope that your wait for a table is a long one. There wine list is also extensive.

When I arrived they indicated a waiting time of fourty-five minutes. One and a half hours later, our number was called up. In truth the bar was so 'happening' that we didn't mind. We sat down and went through the menu. The menu doesn't change every other week which I like. You know what to expect. Of course there is the selection of steaks but there is also a good selection of other dishes. So if you are not a steak lover there is no need to worry, you won't be disappointed.

We went straight for the mains. I had the fillet steak and my friend had the sirloin. Steaks are between £18.50 for the rib-eye to £34.95 for the 28oz porterhouse. They come with béarnaise and choice of potatoes. This is the kind if steak that you want to have an affair with. The knife effortlessly glides through. Perfectly seasoned it was simply mouthwatering.

For dessert I opted for one of the specials: the checkmate. Our waitor, Russell, explained that this was cubic layers of brown and white chocolate cake. Desserts come in varieties, tarts, soufflés, pies and so on. This was a cake. I mean a big slice of cake, proper divine cake.

The service is excellent and prompt and I can think of nothing wrong with this place. It combines the two elements of bar and restaurant in perfect harmony. Although I wouldn't call the noise levels harmonious in this buzzing place, Sophie's Steakhouse is a must.

Cost for two with a bottle of wine and one dessert was £82.

Sophie's Steakhouse,

311-313 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9QH Tel: 020 7352 0088, www.sophiessteakhouse.co.uk