Ember Shoreditch is an intimate restaurant at 202 Brick Lane led by chef Craig Ian McAlpine. An open kitchen and dining room let guests watch seasonal British ingredients being cooked over glowing embers. Mediterranean, Greek and Levantine flavours meet touches from the chef’s Scottish and South African background in a menu built for sharing.
Vegetable plates show how smoke can add depth without overwhelming fresh produce. Celeriac becomes hummus with olive oil and hazelnuts, while tenderstem broccoli meets smoked chilli and parsley. Heritage carrots arrive with cumin, almonds and chermoula, and roasted cauliflower is paired with harissa, yoghurt and tahini.
Seafood choices include crisp cod cheek with peas and lemon verbena, hot smoked salmon cured with whisky, and roast hake with romesco sauce. Chargrilled sea bass gains acidity from pickled greens and a sherry glaze. From the land, diners can share quail with chermoula, slow cooked pork belly, flat iron steak with smoked garlic or spiced lamb chops with chimichurri.
Desserts continue the international approach through cherry and almond tart, hot chocolate fondant, rhubarb millefeuille and a deconstructed lemon tart. A considered collection of single malt whisky reflects the chef’s Scottish roots, while personally selected South African bottles anchor the wine list. Cocktails, sparkling wine and other global wines round out the relaxed evening experience.
Address: 202 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London E1 6SA, United Kingdom