St John To Bring Back 1994 Prices For 30th Anniversary

This September marks 30 years of one of London’s most famous restaurants, St John. To mark its anniversary, the city stalwart is returning to its first ever menu, offering diners a chance to try archival favourites at low prices. 

St John To Launch Retro Menu

St John was opened in a former bacon smokehouse in 1994 by Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver. Despite its unassuming location, word soon spread about its pared-back vibe and unique style of cooking – guests were served dishes like tripe and onions, and duck gizzards and pea leaves. It went on to become a pioneer in nose-to-tail dining, and an icon on the London restaurant scene.

Thirty years on, we have the chance to experience some of its early magic. From 9 – 27 September, the Smithfield restaurant will be serving its 1994 menu, complete with its original prices. This will include the long-standing roast bone marrow and parsley salad for just £4.20 (now it costs £16), and apricots toast for £3.70 (currently peaches on toast will set you back £10.20). As is tradition, menus will change daily, but other dishes on offer will include pheasant and trotter pie (£18), and devilled kidneys on toast (£8.80).

‘We are going to enjoy this little moment with those close by that really matter and those that we need to say a big thank you to,’ said Gulliver. ‘They are the same, our St John folk and our customers across the years.’

‘I hope that we’ve found a good solution – both are our future and may the good ship St John sail on, always the same but never the same. Fergus and I are the lucky ones, and we might just have a little lunch somewhere along with a glass of a very good Burgundy, raising that toast to our many friends across the years.’

The anniversary menus will be available from 9 – 27 September, bookings available from 22 August at 10am via OpenTable.