Neil Rankin hits the mark with this bustling, barbeque-centric new opening
Words Hannah Hopkins
Having been at the forefront of the barbeque scene for years, Neil Rankin’s temper is attracting an in-the-know crowd.
Not one for vegetarians, the restaurant offers expertly cooked cuts of meat. Tempered for optimal taste, they’re offset by a range of inventive side dishes. If you love Pitt Cue Co in Soho and Smokehouse in Islington and Chiswick, then you’ll be enamoured with this place.
For a dose of drama with your dinner, plump for a table at the heart of the main dining room. Facing the energetic open kitchen, you can watch Neil and his team prepare your meal. Don’t worry though, if bar-style dining isn’t your thing there are plenty of booths, too.
“Not one for vegetarians, the restaurant offers delicious and expertly cooked cuts of meat, tempered for optimal taste.”
Eschewing overdone tasting menus, the menu at temper is back to the basics. There’s a selection of tacos, handmade using heritage corn imported from Masienda. Also cuts of chopped, grilled or smoked meat and a range of sides, dips and sprinkles. We have the crab & pickled pork skin and blowtorched mackerel tacos. Also the 65 day British White Beef and Middlewhite Pork. Punctuated by spicy Jerk cauliflower, grilled corn and MSG ketchup.
Lamb, goat and mutton also feature heavily on the menu and come highly recommended. Almost all of the meat is in delectably juicy 100g+ cuts. Plates designed around seasonal vegetables allow you to fully customise your dinner. Save room for the cannot-be-missed half-baked, molten cookie and ice cream dessert.
Wine at temper takes center stage, with an exciting New and Old World list created to compliment the menu. We loved the selection of Mezcal – we recommend the Nuestra Soledad Ejutla.
The basement dining room has an agricultural industrial feel. Expect low-slung ceilings, black painted brick flooring and vivid green steel work. A combo of soft low lighting, mezcal and good times makes it ideal for a catch up with friends or late-night bites.
Temper
25 Broadwick Street, W1; 020 3879 3834
temperrestaurant.com
