St John, located in the heart of Farringdon, stands as the original pioneer of the 'nose-to-tail' dining movement, a concept that has revolutionised British cuisine. This Michelin-starred establishment manages to appeal to both aficionados of this bold approach and those who might typically shy away from it, thanks to its unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere.
A Defiantly Casual Dining Experience
The restaurant's decor is refreshingly bare-bones and come-as-you-please, stripping away the formality often associated with fine dining. This casual setting allows the focus to remain squarely on the food, which is famously full-on and unapologetically British.
Sophisticated Spin on Humble Origins
St John excels at taking born-again British dishes and giving them a surprisingly sophisticated twist that often belies their humble origins. The menu is a celebration of traditional ingredients, elevated through expert craftsmanship and innovative techniques.
Signature dishes that have become emblematic of the restaurant's philosophy include snails with barley and bacon, devilled kidneys, and the iconic bone marrow and parsley salad. These powerful, flavour-packed offerings showcase a deep respect for the whole animal and British culinary heritage.
With a price rating of 3 out of 4, St John offers an accessible yet high-quality dining experience that continues to set the standard for nose-to-tail cooking in London.
