Temper Soho: Fire-Cooked Dining in the West End

What it is

Temper Soho is a contemporary steakhouse and smokehouse on Broadwick Street, a short walk from the busiest parts of Soho. It is not a landmark in the sightseeing sense; it is a working restaurant where the main event is the kitchen’s open fire pit and in-house butchery. The menu leans on British beef, smoked meats, tacos, brunch dishes and cocktails, with Sunday roast and late-evening dining adding to its appeal.

Atmosphere and setting

The room is indoor, medium-sized and built for movement rather than lingering silence. Expect a dark, smoky, energetic atmosphere with a social edge: the glow of the fire, the sound of service, and the close-packed feel typical of central Soho. The setting is urban and tightly enclosed, with Broadwick Street and the surrounding West End providing the context rather than any scenic outlook. It feels most natural at dinner, when the room is at its busiest and the fire-cooked food becomes part of the theatre.

How a visit unfolds

A visit usually follows a straightforward restaurant rhythm. You arrive, wait briefly or are shown to a table or counter, then settle into a meal built around grilled cuts, smoked dishes and drinks. Some visitors come for brunch or a long lunch; others stay for cocktails and a more celebratory evening. The experience is best understood as food-led and time-limited, not as a place to browse for hours. If you want the full effect, choose a time when the kitchen is active and the room has a steady hum.

Who it suits

Temper Soho works well for couples, small groups, solo diners and business meals, especially if the group wants a polished but not formal setting. It is less convincing as a family outing or a quiet meal, and vegetarians or vegans may find the appeal limited. The Soho location makes it easy to combine with other West End plans, but the restaurant itself is the destination only if you are specifically going for the cooking style and atmosphere.

Practical expectations

This is a premium-priced venue, so expect to spend more than at an ordinary casual restaurant, especially once drinks and steak cuts are added. Public transport is the easiest way in, with several Underground stations within walking distance. The experience is largely unaffected by weather because it is indoors, though rain and cold can make the walk through Soho less pleasant. Booking is sensible at peak dining times, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings and during busy brunch or Sunday roast periods.