London isn’t short of kitchens fitted with fancy grills, or chefs cooking different styles of food over open flames. Yet despite the fact that live fire cookery is so commonly associated with the outdoors, it’s still a rarity to find a restaurant where the chefs are exposed to the elements. At Acme Fire Cult, however, co-founders Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins have broken the mould and brought their entire kitchen (an impressive purpose-built grill) outside, demonstrating to diners what live fire cookery is really about.

Situated in a converted car park known as The Bootstrap, hidden off Dalston’s main drag, Acme Fire Cult is a collaboration between Clarke and Watkins and 40FT Brewery, with whom they share part of the yard. While the restaurant does have indoor space filled with tables, dry-ageing chambers and a long bar, Acme Fire Cult’s heart is outdoors on the decking, where there are a number of covered wooden tables and benches and of course, the kitchen itself. The all-important grill, on which the entirety of the menu cooked, towers over the kitchen giving diners a clear view of the chefs in action.

People may associate live fire cookery with meat, but proteins play a supporting role on Acme Fire Cult’s predominantly plant-based a la carte menu, where seasonal vegetables star. Dishes on offer might include an aubergine steak with sourdough molé and hazelnuts, or a hearth vegetable plate with white beans and salsa verde - it's all about letting the produce shine. Sustainability is also at the heart of Clarke and Watkin’s ethos, as demonstrated by the use of various waste products in the pair’s cookery.

When it comes to drinks, there are a variety of 40FT Brewery beers available on tap, while their collaborators also brew one limited edition beer each month, specially designed to pair with the menu. As well as a number of classic cocktails, a short wine list curated by Holly Willcocks is also available.

It may be the brainchild of two incredibly talented chefs, but at its heart, Acme Fire Cult is a restaurant which doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s somewhere to go to kick back, have some fun and look on as some brilliant food is cooked for you over the burning coals.