St John Restaurant is renowned for its focus on traditional British cuisine with a modern twist. The lunch menu offers diners a carefully curated selection of dishes crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you are visiting for a quick midday bite or a leisurely afternoon meal, St John’s menu is designed to showcase the best flavors while maintaining a simple yet sophisticated approach.
Philosophy Behind the Menu
St John’s kitchen emphasizes nose-to-tail cooking, making use of all parts of the animal, minimizing waste, and maximizing flavor. This philosophy reflects a deep respect for the ingredients and traditional culinary techniques.
The lunch menu changes regularly, adapting to what is fresh and available, ensuring every visit offers a unique experience. This seasonal variation keeps the offerings interesting and authentic.
“The aim is to serve honest, hearty food that reflects the heritage of British cooking, without unnecessary embellishments.” – St John’s Head Chef
Overview of the Lunch Menu
The lunch menu is divided into several sections to guide diners through the meal experience:
- Starters
- Main Courses
- Sides
- Desserts
- Drinks & Beverages
Each section presents dishes that reflect St John’s commitment to quality and tradition, balancing rich flavors with fresh ingredients.
Starters
Begin your meal with one of St John’s carefully crafted starters. These dishes are designed to awaken the palate and showcase the kitchen’s skill in preparing simple yet impactful flavors.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Marrow on Toast | Roasted bone marrow served with parsley salad and toasted sourdough. Rich and buttery with a fresh herbal finish. | £12 |
| Salt Beef with Pickles | Traditional salt beef sliced thin, served with pickled vegetables and mustard dressing. | £10 |
| Devilled Kidneys | Classic preparation of lamb kidneys in a spiced mustard sauce, served with crusty bread. | £11 |
| Ox Tongue & Beetroot | Cold slices of ox tongue paired with marinated beetroot and horseradish cream. | £9 |
| Pickled Herrings | Fresh herrings cured in vinegar and spices, served with rye bread and butter. | £8 |
Tip: The Bone Marrow on Toast is a signature dish and highly recommended for first-time guests. Its richness pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light ale.
Main Courses
St John’s main courses are hearty and satisfying, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to British culinary heritage. Expect expertly prepared meats, fresh fish, and vegetable-forward dishes that highlight the season.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Roast Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad | Roasted marrow bones served alongside a fresh parsley and caper salad, finished with lemon dressing. | £18 |
| Steak & Kidney Pie | A rich classic pie filled with tender steak and kidneys, encased in golden pastry. | £20 |
| Grilled Mackerel | Fresh mackerel fillets grilled and served with pickled cucumber and horseradish cream. | £17 |
| Shepherd’s Pie | Traditional lamb and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. | £16 |
| Roast Pork Belly | Crispy pork belly served with apple sauce and seasonal vegetables. | £21 |
| Vegetable Stew | A hearty medley of root vegetables slow-cooked in a savory broth, served with crusty bread. | £14 |
Chef’s Recommendation: The Steak & Kidney Pie is a true embodiment of British comfort food and a must-try for those who appreciate rich, slow-cooked flavors.
Sides
Complement your main course with a selection from St John’s thoughtfully prepared sides. Each side dish is crafted to balance and enhance the main flavors on your plate.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Carrots | Carrots roasted with thyme and honey glaze, tender with a sweet finish. | £5 |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and a hint of garlic. | £4 |
| Seasonal Greens | Fresh green vegetables sautéed with olive oil and garlic. | £5 |
| Pickled Vegetables | A selection of house-pickled vegetables to add acidity and brightness. | £4 |
| Yorkshire Pudding | Light and fluffy traditional pudding, perfect alongside meat dishes. | £3 |
Desserts
Finish your lunch with one of St John’s classic desserts, designed to provide a sweet yet balanced conclusion to your meal.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Treacle Tart | Sweet pastry filled with golden syrup and breadcrumbs, served with clotted cream. | £7 |
| Spotted Dick | Traditional suet pudding with dried currants, served with custard sauce. | £7 |
| Rhubarb & Custard | Stewed rhubarb paired with creamy custard, a tart and smooth combination. | £6 |
| Cheese Plate | A selection of British cheeses served with crackers and chutney. | £9 |
“Desserts at St John are a nod to the nostalgic and hearty sweets of British tradition, made with care and quality ingredients.”
Drinks & Beverages
To accompany your meal, St John offers a variety of drinks ranging from classic British ales and wines to non-alcoholic options. The beverage list is selected to complement the robust and rustic flavors of the food.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| English Ale | Locally brewed ale with a balanced malt and hop profile. | £6 |
| House Red Wine | A medium-bodied red with berry and spice notes. | £7 (glass) |
| House White Wine | Crisp and refreshing with citrus undertones. | £7 (glass) |
| Ginger Beer | Spicy and sweet non-alcoholic beverage, perfect as a palate cleanser. | £4 |
| Tea & Coffee | Selection of traditional teas and freshly brewed coffee. | £3 |
Seasonal Specials
St John frequently introduces seasonal specials that highlight the best produce of the month. These specials provide an opportunity to try unique dishes not found on the regular menu.
Examples of past specials include:
- Wild Garlic Soup with Herb Croutons
- Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder with Mint Sauce
- Sea Bass with Samphire and Brown Butter
- Blackberry Fool with Shortbread Crumble
Note: Specials vary by day and season, so it is worth asking your server on arrival about the current offerings.
Dietary Information & Allergen Notice
St John is committed to accommodating dietary requirements wherever possible. Many dishes can be modified to suit gluten-free, vegetarian, or other dietary needs.
However, due to the nature of the kitchen and traditional recipes, cross-contamination risks exist.
Guests with allergies or specific dietary concerns should speak directly to the staff to ensure a safe dining experience.
“Our team is happy to help you navigate the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences and restrictions.”
Booking and Lunch Timing
Lunch service at St John typically runs from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM daily. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially for larger groups or weekend visits.
Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated but may experience wait times during peak hours. Booking in advance guarantees a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
Summary
St John’s Lunch Menu is a celebration of British culinary tradition, brought to life with fresh, seasonal ingredients and expert preparation. From robust starters like Bone Marrow on Toast to comforting mains such as Steak & Kidney Pie, the menu offers a diverse range of flavors.
Complement your meal with thoughtfully chosen sides and end on a nostalgic note with classic desserts. The beverage selection further enhances the dining experience, pairing perfectly with the hearty dishes.
Whether you are a local or a visitor seeking authentic British fare, St John’s lunch menu promises a memorable and satisfying meal, steeped in heritage and quality.