Darkhorse founders establish new restaurant

Templar, a new wine bar and sharing plates restaurant from the team behind Darkhorse, opened in Stratford Cross on 1 March.

From Lee Glen and Ian Goodman, Templar is set within London’s new Cultural Quarter, serving seasonal dishes and low-intervention wines, many by the glass.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by an open dining room and bar stocked with Italian spirits. Inspired by Italian Modernism with mid-century design, the dining room has signature blue accents, reclaimed terrazzo flooring, dark cherry seating and leather burgundy banquettes, complemented by vintage lighting reminiscent of 1950s Italy.

In the rafters is a mezzanine, home to a wine cave filled with bottles predominantly from the old world, and a semi-private dining room overlooking the restaurant space below.

Dining at Templar

Richard Sinclair, previously of Terra, Lardo and Pied à Terre, heads up the kitchen. His menu is a celebration of modern European dishes. Small plates include watermelon with radish, taramasalata and Sinclair’s baked crispy focaccia; pig’s head croquette with fennel and Muscat grape salad; sea bass crudo with Amalfi lemon, cucumber, wild fennel and coriander.

Larger dishes feature truffle and ricotta ravioli with pecorino and sage; 12-hour BBQ lamb shoulder, cooked over charcoal and served with hispi cabbage and red wine jus; and chargrilled monkfish tail with white wine sauce, sea herbs and pickled mushrooms.

Puddings such as Yorkshire forced rhubarb with yoghurt mousse and gingerbread biscuit; hot chocolate fondant with pistachio, banana, and vanilla ice cream; and mandarin semifreddo with blood orange and gin jelly are also available.

Alongside the wine comes a capsule cocktail list including an Olive Oil and Sea Salt Martini and a Maple Old Fashioned.

Templar co-founder Lee Glen comments: "After the success of Darkhorse, we're thrilled to open Templar in nearby Stratford Cross. The area is buzzing and we're really proud of the menu that Richard has curated. Come along for sharing plates and a glass of wine or join us for larger dishes and an evening of cocktails."

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