Tempo is one of those openings that makes sense the moment you hear about it. Hackney and its surrounding pockets have become one of London’s most active areas for new restaurants and while there’s already plenty going on, Tempo should stay firmly on your radar.
Describing itself as a 'New Wave Asian Eatery and Wine Bar', Tempo sits under the arches in Bethnal Green and is founded by Dan Long and Eric Wan. It’s very much a food-and-wine-first operation, built around relaxed dining, shareable plates and a sense that you’re encouraged to settle in rather than rush through a meal.
Some of the interiors are still under wraps, but early details give a strong sense of the direction. Think a statement bar, open kitchen, and huge, richly toned wooden shelves stacked with wine bottles lining the walls. It’s the kind of set-up that immediately signals how central wine is to the experience - not as an afterthought, but as an equal partner to the food.
The menu takes its lead from chef Eric Wan’s Chinese-Vietnamese roots, translated into bold, flavour-led plates designed for sharing. Dishes are shaped by the seasons and by the quality of the suppliers, rather than fixed signatures, which keeps things fluid. Specials are expected to come and go regularly, and the menu is likely to evolve as the kitchen settles into its rhythm. The open kitchen adds to the sense of energy, with food cooked in full view and plates landing at the table as and when they’re ready.
Wine plays a major role here. The list spans easy-going bottles through to more adventurous picks, with a rotating by-the-glass selection that encourages exploration without commitment. It’s clearly aimed at people who enjoy drinking wine as much as they enjoy eating, whether that’s one glass with a couple of plates, or a longer evening working your way through the list.