Temple and Sons, a modern diner restaurant and bar nestled within a small footprint glass-walled wedge-shaped building in the heart of the city, faces stiff competition from nearby establishments like the Broadleaf. Despite spanning two floors to increase capacity, its design presents unique challenges, particularly with the abundance of glass walls and exposed steels.

To address these challenges, the designer employed a screening and shelving technique, adorning the interior perimeter with cubbyholes and black-painted scaffolding poles from floor to ceiling on the ground floor. This aesthetic extends to the bar gantry, where internally illuminated signs convey the food and drink offerings.

Overall, the interior falls short compared to its counterparts in the drinking establishment scene. Despite efforts to create the right ambiance, some finishing details lack harmony or refinement, evident in elements like the rusted steel-effect stair balustrade and the utilitarian grey floor tiles. Additionally, the mix of furniture pieces, upholstered and painted in questionable colours, contributes to the disjointed atmosphere.

Further design quirks include the use of antiqued mirrors on new walls and the underside of framed suspended ceiling rafts. Despite these shortcomings, there are some noteworthy details, including metal-edged table tops, reeded glass panels, fresh herb planters on tables, and charming set dressing items such as old cash registers and tea pots.

Location

Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HQ