temper City

temper City brings open-fire theatre to the City of London, a short stroll from Bank and Monument. Flames dance at the heart of the room, where chefs work a roaring pit in full view, sending up curls of smoke and anticipation. It is a vibrant, modern take on barbecue: bold, generous and just a little bit rebellious, with service as polished as the glass-and-steel surrounds.

The cooking draws on global barbecue traditions while keeping the focus on prime ingredients and pure, elemental heat. Tacos come piled high and punchy, from cochinita pibil to soft-shell crab, while flatbreads carry slow-cooked richness: think beef brisket carnitas scattered with mixed herbs and tajin, or lamb carnitas sharpened by kimchi onion and pickled chillies. Little openers, from guacamole with warm tortilla chips to smoked, sweet and sour pork belly bites, set the tone.

Steak aficionados will find rib-eye and porterhouse seared to a smoky crust, best matched with beef-fat béarnaise or bourbon peppercorn. Sides lean indulgent: temper chips with burger sauce and sriracha, or truffle chips dusted with parmesan and a whisper of truffle oil. House-made cocktails keep pace with the fire.

Whether for a swift City lunch or an indulgent evening, the energy here is infectious. Nab a seat by the flames and let the sparks fly—this is barbecue with business-class swagger.