Great British classic
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| Crispy Pig Cheek, Chicory and Spring Onion |
There are so many new restaurant openings year on year, yet so many closed down with a lifespan of less than a year. For a restaurant's survival, there are so many factors that need to account for, from securing the right rent deal and managing costs to its food quality and service. St John appears to manage just that, it has been around since 1994, offering good old-fashioned British cuisine and putting good use to offals like bone marrow and livers. It is still an extremely popular venue today with both its bar zone and restaurant packed out when I visited, plus a Michelin star to its name.
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| Grilled Lamb Heart, Beetroot and Pickled Walnut |
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| Braised Lamb shoulder , Broad Beans and Anchovy |
Since I went as a big group, I got the chance to sample its feasting menu that contains 5 sharing plates served over 3 courses. The pig cheek with chicory salad was a winner, the dressing of walnut and olive oil offered such harmony to the crisp nutty taste of the chicory, and the crispy pork acted like a seasoning that completed the dish wonderfully. The first main of roasted John Dory absorbed all the rich fennel and white wine juice, and seasoned to perfection, it seems St John does fish as well as any seafood restaurants in London. The other main braised lamb was just as good, super tender and I really enjoyed the anchovies sauce that offered a nice hint of salty umami taste to the finish.
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| Baked John Dory and fennel |
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| Brown sugar tart |
St John delivered a really rustic yet wonderful British supper, no fancy plating or gimmicks, just really old-school cooking done well. For really quality classic British cuisine, is hard to think of a better place than St John. It is amazing to see a restaurant with such longevity, and I hope this place will keep going as it is really a gem to showcase how great British food can be.
Food 4/5
Average cost without drinks and services:
£65 (dinner)
26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY
https://stjohnrestaurant.com/
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