Run by Anna Hansen, The Modern Pantry is a stylish restaurant come café offering enticing fusion cooking using an array of unusual ingredients sourced from all over the globe.
Each and every dish is inspired and influenced by a number of different countries and cultures using a variety of elements and techniques to make a truly modern masterpiece. The setting is simple and refreshing. The white and silver theme illuminates the room while there are rustic furnishings and vintage touches to create a stylish yet soothing atmosphere. Everything about this place feels homely and inviting with a union of styles and traditions from every corner of the earth.
The Ground Floor Café is a modern casual dining space serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. As well as the 40 seat informal dining room, there is a small bar serving an eclectic wine and cocktail list and outdoor dining for 32 in the Square. The first floor is comprised of two elegant dining rooms overlooking St John’s Square. Together, they can accommodate 60 diners, while the North Dining Room also features a semi-private alcove which will seat up to 12 diners. You can even take away as well as hire out an entire dining room for a private function.
You are served unique, one-of-a-kind dishes that are executed to perfection. The combinations may seem baffling on the page, but the finished creation is nothing short of ingenious. The signature starter dish of sugar-cured prawn omelette with green chilli, coriander, spring onion and smoked-chilli sambal is an all-round favourite. Every dish will have at least one component that will leave even the most devoted foodie bewildered and unsure as to what will be greeting him at the table. For mains, the coconut and lemongrass braised pork belly with som tam, mango nam phrik and plantain crisps is out of this world. Desserts include a rich chocolate tart with slow roast grapes, Guinness sorbet and coca nibs, it’s not your standard cheesecake, but my-oh-my is it a delight! One thing is for certain; you are guaranteed to relish in the complete mash-up of innovative tastes blended to create a new and exceptional dish fused with originality and delicious flavours.
From afternoon tea to an all-day a la carte, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The staff are professional, charming and friendly, and the overall ambience is faultless.
| 47-48 St John’s Square, London, EC1V 4JJ | Transport Farringdon tube/rail |
| Telephone: +44 020 7533 9210 | Opening Times: Cafe: Mon: 8:00-11:00 & 12:00-22:00; Tues-Fri: 8:00-11:00 & 12:00-22:30; Sat: 9:00-16:00 & 18:00-22:30; Sun: 10:00-16:00 & 18:00-22:00. Restaurant: Tues-Fri: 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:30; Sat: 11:00-16:00 & 18:00-22:30; Sun: 11:00-16:00 |
| Price per head Both Main courses £15.50-£22.50. Set lunch (Mon-Fri) £21.50 2 courses; (Sun) £22 2 courses, £26 3 courses. Set tea £17-£22 | Website |
