St. John Ventures Into the World of Theatre

Seminal British restaurant St. John have announced that they will provide the food and drinks at the new bar and café at The Bridge Theatre, in south London. They will offer theatre audiences and the public a number of their trademark dishes in the theatre’s foyer space, overlooking the River Thames.

For theatregoers, the famous St. John madeleines will be available to pre-order, made fresh and hot for the interval. Their own wines (from Minervois) and champagne will be offered, as well a list of local beers. To combat the long wait times associated with intervals, they say, “the format and flow of the bar space has been thought anew to avoid interminable interval waits for drinks.”

The all-day bar will feature a selection of pastries, cakes and St. John’s famous doughnuts, which will be supplied by the St. John Bakery in Bermondsey. For snacks, lunch, pre-theatre and beyond there will be a changing roster of sandwiches such as cold roast lamb and aioli or the St. John Restaurant favourite egg mayonnaise and cress, and small plates such as terrine, smoked mackerel with horseradish, globe artichokes or potted beef. Small snacks such as anchovy twists, crispy pig skin or radishes and butter will be available throughout the day and during show intervals.

Cambridge-based Jack’s Gelato will deliver freshly made ice cream to the theatre each week, with flavours changing with the seasons.

About the partnership, St. John CEO and co-founder Trevor Gulliver said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved with the creation of a new ‘free-thinking’ theatre for London, with a philosophy so close to that of St. John. We are looking forward to exciting times ahead, a new departure from what has gone before.”

David Sabel, Director of Creative Development for London Theatre Company, said: “I remember my first meal at St. John many years ago and thinking, so this is what all the fuss is about — the impeccable quality of the ingredients, the warm service, the respect and attention that went into such an enjoyable experience of eating.

“When I came to think about who might help us to create something special at The Bridge, I could think of no better partner than St. John and I am thrilled that they were up for playing a role.”