Cuisine: Indian
Cost:
Rating:
Where?: 19, Wilcox Road, Vauxhall. SW8 2XA.
Closest station(s): Vauxhall, Wandsworth Road Station Stockwell, Oval.
Telephone: 0207 720 1480
Website: www.welovehotstuff.com
A friend of mine booked Hot Stuff having heard great things from people at work, having been told I was going I had a quick look at some reviews and was quite shocked to have not heard of it previously – it could hardly be rated more highly.
The restaurant can be found hidden on a parade of shops before you reach Vauxhall from the West. This could not be said to be an upmarket road, to be entirely honest I believe I turned and checked that my central locking had definitely beeped twice. The restaurant is tiny, only holding about 25 – 30 people, tightly packed in – though luckily with the front of the restaurant opening up almost completely it does not become claustrophobic.
The instant we arrived there was an extremely friendly welcome, including the question as to whether we had eaten there before (no, it is not part of the harvester chain they were simply being polite). We were told that most people simply have a selection of dishes brought out having flagged any allergies or particular dislikes and that this would come to about £15 per person. Wanting to get into the spirit of things and with the staff being so friendly we went with their suggestion and waited for the onslaught of dishes.
Throughout our meal we did not have a bad dish. From the chilli paneer, to the mixed bhajis, to the goat lamb, to the table sized naan and ending with a selection of delicious side dishes the cooking was reliable, tasty, fresh and fully enjoyed by all. Was it the best Indian meal I have ever had? No. Was it some of the best food? No. It was however very good and without a dud. We came nowhere near finishing the dishes that were placed before us, though not for a want of trying.
The food at Hot Stuff is very good however it is the rest of the experience that combines to make it a great restaurant. The size of the restaurant and the no frills way in which it set up makes an extremely pleasant change from those restaurants that are trying all too hard to be something that they are not. A napkin made of some hideously thick material that is draped over ones lap with unnecessary pomp is not superior to a paper one brought to someone who is happy to have a chat - Hot Stuff certainly proves this. The service and the staff really do make Hot Stuff what it is, it is a while since I last had such friendly and genuine people serving me.
If the above was not enough Hot Stuff is bring your own (BYO) and there is no corkage fee – which to my mind is something that is difficult to beat. The off license next to the restaurant has a truly hideous selection of wine – however pop out to the main road and to Sainsbury’s and you find yourself in better stead.
I will certainly be returning to Hot Stuff, the cooking is good, the service great, you can take your own alcohol and for all that you pay a pittance.