What is it?
Once the site of Ramsome's Dock, the restaurant run by Martin and Vanessa Lam and notorious for its hot prune and Armagnac soufflé and impressive wine list, this space has been taken over by another husband wife team, Johan and Elsa De Jager who pride themselves on showcasing the best of British produce.
With a chef touting Assiette Anglaise, Elliot's Cafe and Hibiscus on his CV, this is one local restaurant you'll wish was in your neighbourhood.
So where is it again?
Located in Battersea, the site is sat back from the road right on Ransome's Dock – the windows of the restaurant look out onto the moored boats.
And where should I go for a drink before?
It’s got to be the Doodle Bar, right next door with a playful vibe the place even has a blackboard wall to pen away your deepest and darkests. With the Dodd's Gin distillery directly opposite it would be rude not to order a gin and slim and watch the tormented scrawl their innermost thoughts.
Who's it suitable for?
Couples, groups of women, mixed tables – the restaurant was full on our visit with tables of all ages and demographics, but predominantly a slightly more mature crowd. The vibe was laid back informal with a touch of sophistication, many seemed to be dressed smartly, perhaps having come straight from work. The décor has that New York vibe with a touch of Danish thrown in, the exposed bulbs and copper pipes give the place a warm glow (we could imagine it would be a great place to take a date).
Where's the best place to sit?
If you’re looking for an intimate meal there is an area set back into an alcove, pick one of these two tables if you want to whisper sweet nothings or meet a man about a dog. If you like to see all the action, ask to sit next to the glass enclosed kitchen to watch the team at work. For a river view you need to ask for the window. Worth noting in summer there will be tables out on the balcony decking and we imagine these will be highest in demand.
On to the food…
The menu is short and concise, focusing on seasonal produce. A treat of little porky croquettes were sent out gratis and made us feel wanted and wanting more food. Starters included a crab on toast with dressed watercress, a roasted celeriac and hazelnut salad and artichoke dip – a moorish, cheesy baked bowl of rich goodness that almost filled us up. Almost. The eight mains were split into a carb-based section including a home made Gnudi, an Israeli couscous with lamb onglet, and a hare pappardelle which we ordered alongside the roasted venison with kale and turnip gratin.
For dessert a tangy rhubarb was served with vanilla ice cream, whilst the blood orange sorbet was a good light option for those wanting to finish on a sweet note.
What about drink?
It would be rude not to try one of the seven cocktails on offer, so we opted for a sour made with bourbon, apple, ginger, lime and egg white to get our taste buds zinging.
The wine list is set out in an easy-to-read, non-intimidating format broken down by the vintage, grape and source (ahh we see what they did there). Bottles start around the £20 mark and largely hover between here and the late £30s, with a separate section for fine wines if you fancy a splurge. We also must mention that they draw their water filtered from a spring under the restaurant, and all the proceeds go to Magic Breakfast, a charity which feeds hungry kids.
Overall thoughts
Source is a busy, buzzy neighbourhood restaurant run by a passionate team with welcoming hosts. Come here if you like to be looked after as this is service with a sheer desire to please. With options to sit at the bar, inside or alfresco, we can see this place being rammed come summer, so get a table while you still can.
Source is at Unit 29, Ransome’s Dock, 35-37 Parkgate Road, Battersea SW11 4NP. Find out more about Source.
Prices were correct at time of writing. Hot Dinners ate as guests of Source.
