Carousel Presents: Ollie Templeton

It can often feel like the dining culture in London is a case of ticking boxes dictated by the blogosphere. A new venue gets five stars on your favourite website, so you eat the ‘must try’ plate that’s plastered on every Instagram feed and will probably never return. It’s a transient state of affairs bred out of our pop-up mind-set. So it’s exciting when a place opens with the sole purpose of making sure your next visit is never the same as the last.

Carousel is the latest venture for the Templeton family, as they introduce guest chefs from their favourite restaurants around the world. Recent collaborations have included Javier Rodriguez of Noma and Viajante fame and Bocca di Lupo’s Tommy Forster.

CUISINE, After curating and supporting the various culinary stars to grace Carousel’s kitchen, co-founder and head chef Ollie Templeton finally takes centre stage. Drawing on his time at Moro and the exposure to an ever-changing roster of world-class chefs, Ollie has put together his own menu that combines his Andalusian upbringing with classic British springtime ingredients.

THE VIBE, The location is hardly the south of Spain; in an otherwise grey area of Marylebone, once you’re inside the relaxed industrial design is luckily very easy on the eye. Big rugged tables are shared with other diners whilst Ollie and the rest of the Templetons wander around talking to guests and serving. The communal, relaxed, ‘supper club’ vibe feels like eating in the chefs own home. Meanwhile the terrace out back shows promise for summer aperitifs and an escape from the surrounding concrete jungle.

THE FOOD, The standout dish was the braised cuttlefish, served with chopped asparagus and Spanish style potatoes. It was no doubt some of the creamiest and most flavoursome tentacle we have ever had. Not an ounce of rubberiness. The confit pork belly was soft and crispy, served with wild garlic crisps and a grilled red chilli that didn’t shout spice, instead choosing to whisper sweet warmth into the dish.

THE DRINKS, The wine list is minimal at just three whites and three reds. Alongside this is a delicious and daily-changing signature cocktail, but everything else can be found behind a fully stocked bar – should you wish to stray from the waiter’s recommendations.

THE DAMAGE, With a four-course dinner at £35 per person, and the requirement to book in advance, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is booze. There is an additional £8.50 for the supplementary pork belly course – a no-brainer if you ask us. The price tag is brilliant for the quality and experience.

THE CONCLUSION, Carousel manages to deliver the perfect conditions for a melting pot of international chefs to bare their soul and take diners on their journey of experimentation and adventure. The following months will see the innovation and intrigue of Leandro Carreira, boasting time at both Mugaritz and Viajante, and after him the Michelin Mexican Omar Romero, promising to marry Asian and Mexican street food. Looks like we will be having a few more spins on this Carousel in 2015, just keep your eyes closed to the grey Baker Street until you enter their doors!

BEST FOR, Birthday groups and relaxed dinner get-togethers with friends.

For more information on who is up next, click here.

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