After quietly closing its tiny Neal’s Yard bakery in Covent Garden earlier this year, St John has reopened just across the courtyard – this time with a bar and evening service.
The freshly unveiled St John Neal’s Yard Bakery and Bar marks a new chapter for the institution, which first brought its signature Eccles cakes, doughnuts and sourdough loaves to a takeaway hatch in the yard in 2018.
“We have upped sticks and settled across the yard,” the team wrote on Instagram. “The good things, Eccles cakes, our sandwiches, loaves and more are back. The new bakery though is something different – look up and you will see light and hear the sounds of life and chatter, we have our new bar!”
Set over two floors, the space nods to Gilbert’s – the tiny bar, beloved of St John co-founders Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver, that had become a fixture of any visit to St John’s winery, Boulevard Napoleon, in La Livinière, Languedoc.
As well as morning pastries and sandwiches, the bakery has later opening hours than the original, pouring from a wine menu that’s scribbled on the blackboard – and includes St John’s own labels from its Languedoc winery – by the glass and bottle until 10pm. “Being open in the evening means you can have a glass to help end the day well too, just like at Gilbert’s,” the team said on Instagram.
Meanwhile, a concise bar menu features other St John classics, with snacks and plates including olives, anchovies on toast, oysters with lemon and mignonette sauce, and hearty cassoulet.
In true Henderson and Gulliver style, the interiors adhere to the St John trademarks that began in Smithfield more than 30 years ago: pared back, whitewashed brick and wood panelling; a curved stainless steel bar; and dark wood benches, stools and bistro tables spilling into the yard outside.
St John Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP
Hours:
Mon to Thu 8am–11.30pm
Fri & Sat 8am–midnight
Sun 10am–10.30pm
