On a scorching hot day, we headed to Acme Fire Cult in Dalston, London E8, to meet friends for lunch. The idea of barbecued food seemed perfectly in tune with the sweltering weather. The covered outdoor seating on the bench-covered terrace allowed us to witness our expertly grilled food, providing a lively alfresco dining experience. Acme Fire Cult is a brilliant live-fire concept created by chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins. What began as casual barbecues in a disused carport has evolved into a fully-fledged restaurant. The location may feel a bit hidden and industrial, but rest assured, it’s part of the charm and adds to the secretive allure of this dining spot in Dalston. If you’re looking for barbecued food in London, places with a great selection of plant-based dishes, or outside dining spots in Dalston, Acme Fire Cult is for you.
“Acme Fire Cult might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s a fantastic spot to socialise and enjoy exceptional food in a vibrant, alfresco environment within an industrial setting in Dalston,” Homegirl London.
Acme Fire Cult BBQ Menu
Acme Fire Cult redefines BBQ by spotlighting vegetables. Its menu celebrates organic and heirloom varieties sourced micro-seasonally across the UK, with at least 50% plant-based. Meat comes from regenerative farms focusing on native breeds, and fish is sustainably caught from small day boats on the south coast.
The menu, designed for sharing, also caters to solo diners with lunch deals and specials. Acme features a ferment lab producing house-made ancho hot sauce, misos, kimchis and other ferments from by-products and excess waste.
We started with padron peppers sprinkled with pink peppercorns and the delightful Dusty Knuckle sourdough with “Marmite” butter and pecorino.
Our plant-based small plates for sharing included a superb selection. Every dish was super tasty, like the tomatoes with green goddess dressing and fine herbs. The tomatoes were juicy and flavourful, complemented by the creamy and herbaceous dressing.
A plate of roast cauliflower with peanut salsa macha offered a perfect blend of roasted sweetness and nutty, spicy salsa.
Meanwhile, the charred hispi cabbage with seaweed butter and katsuobushi was smoky and paired beautifully with the umami-rich seaweed butter and katsuobushi.
One of my favourites was the fermented pumpkin hummus with macadamias. It was creamy, with a unique fermented tang and a welcome crunch of macadamias.
An exceptionally pretty stracciatella with broad beans, nasturtium, and dill was creamy, fresh, and aromatic, making it a delight.
Lastly for the plant-based small plates, the coal-roasted sweet potato with smoked butter and crispy shallots was another stand out dish.
Options like mutton merguez, Denver steak, Tamworth pork chops, and lamb meatballs are available for meat lovers. Our group shared the Cornish cod, which was incredibly fresh and well-prepared.
Prices are quite reasonable given the quality and creativity of the dishes: nibbles range from £5-9, small plates from £8-12, larger plates from £18-26, and the extra special dishes from £34-38. Desserts were on the menu, but we were too full to indulge. On Sunday, they offer meat platters. Also, check out the family-style feasting menu for the whole table. You’ll enjoy the drinks list featuring beer, cocktails, wine and more.
Watch My Acme Fire Cult Video
Helpful Information About Acme Fire Cult Dalston
For more details, visit the Acme Fire Cult website. The restaurant is located at The Bootyard, Abbot Street, London, E8 3DP, close to Dalston Junction station. Current opening times are Wednesday to Sunday, with lunchtime and evening services.
The main focus is on alfresco dining with a view of the grill. The interior boasts an industrial style, making it ideal for dining with friends, especially during the summer. Acme Fire Cult offers a unique and memorable dining experience combining the best live-fire cooking with innovative, plant-focused dishes and high-quality meat and fish. It’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for something different in the heart of Dalston.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Dalston By Day
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and what the opening times are before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
