It would be easy to miss Temple and Sons - set down a unprepossessing road in the heart of the City - but those who seek it out will be greatly rewarded.
Words Hannah Hopkins
Situated adjacent to the iconic Tower 42, the opening is the second partnership for high-flying chef Jason Atherton (whose restaurant empire is going from strength to strength) and Restaurant Associates. With a more casual approach, Temple and Sons contrasts the high-rise fine dining at neighbouring sister restaurant, City Social – a well-regarded and bustling spot with sweeping views of London.
Dine
Kick things off with dinner on the second floor, where the menu champions British produce. Standout starters include Maldon oysters Rockefeller and Cornish Jack crab ‘hot and cold’ with brown crab mayonnaise. For mains we fully indulged and had the hearty Cotswold buttermilk chicken sandwich. This came in a brioche bun with pickles and Churchill sauce. We also had wood fired pork chop with crackling and pine nut crumb. This was accompanied by chips that were also topped with scraps (a glorious hark back to childhood).
Desserts play on Britain’s great repertoire of puddings, including the classic and tooth-achingly sweet sticky toffee pudding with Cornish sea salted caramel and clotted cream ice cream.
Drink
Finally, after dinner head downstairs to the cocktail bar. It has an interior inspired by a traditional British grocery store (note the stacked timber shelves brimming with a variety of goods). While in the bar, you can sip on carbonated cocktails canned on site and tipples served in card milk cartons. We loved the Strawberry Can Can – Monkey Shoulder whisky, Chamberyzette strawberry wine, Chambord, Campari. The Peach Tea Pop – Monkey Shoulder whisky, Rinquinquin peach liqueur, Earl Grey tea – was also a good choice. As a result it’s fresh and fun. There’s plenty to talk about after a trip to this under-the-radar restaurant.
Temple and Sons, 22 Old Broad St, EC2;
templeandsons.co.uk
