When you think of a Michelin-starred restaurant, the last word that comes to mind is probably “cheap.” Fancy and expensive are practically synonymous for most of us.
But that doesn’t have to be the case, because the Michelin Guide lists numerous restaurants that are quite affordable.
This is a whole new level though, as Britain’s cheapest Michelin restaurant will be open for diners who can eat for just £3.50. Yes, cheaper than a daily special at this time.
And what might come as an even bigger shock to some people is that this place is located in not-so-cheap London. But that will only be the case for a limited time, as the popular eatery is temporarily reverting to its old menu prices.
Chef Fergus at his popular London fine-dining restaurant. (Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
St. JOHN in Smithfield will return to its 1994 menu and prices to celebrate its 30th anniversary.th Birthday.
Restaurant owners Fergus and Trevor met this year when they were introduced by the olive oil man they shared a drink with and “lunch blossomed into a partnership.”
The original restaurant now has several branches, bakeries and a winery, and has a Michelin star for “quality cuisine”, so you can assume it must be pretty good.
Part of the Michelin recommendation reads: “There is no emphasis on ceremony here at St. JOHN; in fact, there is hardly any ceremony, and that is what makes eating here such a joyful experience. As one of the leading proponents of nose-to-tail cuisine, this is the place to try new things, be it bone marrow or ox liver.”
But now to the part about cheap food.
On Instagram, it was explained that in the 90s there was a strong reaction to dishes such as ‘boiled eggs with carrots’ for £2.50.
“Those who were with us in the first few weeks will remember delights such as apricots on toast for £4 or grilled lamb tongue, broad beans and carrots for £8.80 and remember when our roasted bone marrow and parsley salad was £4.20,” it said.
“All of this, minus the outrage, will be yours again.”
There are also things like a Welsh Rarebit for £3.50 and an Eccles Cake with Lancashire cheese for £4.
This special 30th The Archival Menu Celebration runs Monday to Friday from 9th to 27th September and bookings opened yesterday (22nd August).
St. JOHN promises that with each piece of seating you can expect “both beloved classics and delights from the archives, in a form and at a price that first appeared on the market in 1994 to such amazement and acclaim.”
To try some popular Michelin dishes at such a low price, find the restaurant at 26 St. John Street, London, EC1M 4AY.
