Harden's survey result
Summary
“Uncompromising in all respects… and worth a visit” – “the original nose-to-tail restaurant” has become “a pure London institution” for very many of those who take part in our annual diners’ survey: “timeless… fabulous!” The top draw is the “hearty”, offal-filled menu (“dem bones, dem bones are to die for!”) which is “heaven on a plate” for more adventurous palates. But the masochistic appeal of its “stark, white, industrial interior” has also achieved iconic status over the years – the atmosphere it creates being pepped up considerably by the very professional and personable service.
Summary
“The original nose-to-tail flag-bearer, and still a joy!” – Trevor Gulliver and Fergus Henderson’s “stark” ex-smokehouse in Smithfield has won fame with “top quality, distinctive British cuisine” (“using unusual cuts”, most famously offal), and “although they might have started the trend, they still lead from the front with exciting, innovative and surprisingly delicious food”. It’s “honest, skilful cooking that puts the produce front and centre” on “an uncompromising and sometimes challenging menu”; and the “hearty-yet-nuanced” results are a case of “simple things done well”… “perfect”. With its brutally “simple and stylish”, “whitewash-walled” interior (“deafeningly loud” at times) and “relaxed but attentive service”, it remains “a must-go” (“what a place to take visitors to show off London’s restaurant scene”). Top Tip – “Eccles Cake with Lancashire Cheese is outstanding”.
Summary
“The original nose-to-tail flag-bearer, and still a joy!” – Trevor Gulliver and Fergus Henderson’s “stark” ex-smokehouse in Smithfield has won fame with “top quality, distinctive British cuisine” (“using unusual cuts”, most famously offal), and “although they might have started the trend, they still lead from the front with exciting, innovative and surprisingly delicious food”. It’s “honest, skilful cooking that puts the produce front and centre” on “an uncompromising and sometimes challenging menu”; and the “hearty-yet-nuanced” results are a case of “simple things done well”… “perfect”. With its brutally “simple and stylish”, “whitewash-walled” interior (“deafeningly loud” at times) and “relaxed but attentive service”, it remains “a must-go” (“what a place to take visitors to show off London’s restaurant scene”). Top Tip – “Eccles Cake with Lancashire Cheese is outstanding”.
Summary
“Still managing to excel itself on a regular basis” – Trevor Gulliver and Fergus Henderson’s white-walled temple near Smithfield Market coined the concept of ‘nose-to-tail’ eating with its “incredibly stimulating menu” featuring “all sorts of offal and cuts of meat not usually available elsewhere”; and there’s “still nothing quite like it” after over two decades in operation. “Friendly and efficient service helps soften the austere interior” and, “if you want honest, seasonal British food with soul and heart”, arguably “there is no better place”. “We recently ate bone marrow, tripe, and pig’s tongue, then watched longingly as a grouse pie was delivered to a neighbouring table.” “Splendid wine” too. Top Tip – the bar and its simpler menu is a good way to dip your toe in the water.
For 31 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at St John Smithfield?
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
26 St John St, London, EC1M 4AY
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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