
Temper
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where primal fire meets culinary precision, Temper London transforms the ancient art of barbecue into a theatrical dining spectacle across three commanding locations in Soho, Covent Garden, and the City. Neil Rankin's masculine temples to smoke and flame have redefined London fine dining through an uncompromising commitment to whole animal cookery that honors every cut, bone, and sinew.
Rankin's journey from Pitt Cue Co. to Smokehouse culminated in Temper's 2016 debut, establishing him as London's undisputed barbecue sovereign. His philosophy centers on zero-waste whole animal butchery, where entire beasts arrive daily to be broken down in-house by skilled craftsmen. This nose-to-tail approach isn't mere sustainability theater—it's culinary integrity that transforms overlooked cuts into coveted delicacies. Each location pulses with live fire energy, featuring custom-built grills and smokers that fill dining rooms with aromatic clouds of oak and cherry wood.
The menu reads like a carnivore's fever dream, anchored by signature T-bone steaks aged in-house and whole fish that arrive glistening from the flames. Rankin's burnt-end Thai larb elevates barbecue scraps into Southeast Asian poetry, while his legendary beef-fat béarnaise transforms classic French technique through smoke-kissed innovation. Soft-shell crab tacos provide oceanic relief between aged beef skewers that showcase the kitchen's dry-aging mastery. Seasonal vegetables receive equal fire treatment, emerging charred and caramelized alongside house-made charcuterie and smoking-hot flatbreads.
Each Temper location thrums with industrial energy—exposed brick, steel fixtures, and open kitchens where chefs work amid dramatic flames and billowing smoke. The service philosophy matches the food's boldness: knowledgeable servers guide diners through cuts and cooking methods while sommeliers champion natural wines and an exceptional mezcal collection that complements the smoky cuisine. The chef's counter offers front-row seats to the fire show, while private dining spaces accommodate groups seeking exclusive barbecue experiences.
Temper London represents more than dining—it's culinary theater where ancient techniques meet modern precision. Reservations book weeks ahead, particularly for weekend prime times when the energy peaks. Whether choosing the intimate Soho flagship or the expansive City location, diners enter Rankin's smoky kingdom where every meal becomes a primal celebration of fire, craft, and uncompromising flavor.
CHEF
David Lagonell
ACCOLADES

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Casual in Europe Ranked #429
