We are surrounded by some amazing food shops. In St John’s Wood itself there is of course the legendary Panzer’s where you can find almost anything it seems. They carry a lot of specialist food (including American and Russian produce to name but a few). The newly opened St John’s Wood General Store, despite its size, also has a lot to offer. Laurent’s also offers quite a range of deli style produce. You can also find a number of small corner shops scattered around not just High Street, but the area as a whole.
Tesco Express is located on Circus Road and while not large, it still manages to stock a lot. For larger super markets, you need go either go into Marylebone for Waitrose on Marylebone High Street or venture north to Finchley Road where a large Waitrose can be found, and a few minutes further up the road will take you to the O2 Centre where you can find a large Sainsbury’s.
We have two fishmongers in the area: Browns of St John’s Wood (minutes from the High Street) and Coastline on Abbey Road.
Boxes delivered to your house is another good option. Karin has used Abel & Cole since 2004 and loves it. You can get a huge variety of boxes from them including lots of different produce such as fish, meat, dairy products, pantry and cleaning products, and much more.
Other companies delivering boxes are Riverford and Farmdrop to name just two more.
Farmers’ Markets
There are farmers markets everywhere around London and they are wonderful to go to. The nearest one to St John’s Wood is on Eton Avenue in Swiss Cottage and about 30 seconds away from Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre on the other side of Hampstead Theatre. This farmers’ market is on every Wednesday morning till around 2 pm.
There is also a farmers’ market in West Hampstead (outside the new rail station building), one in Queen’s Park and one in Primrose Hill.
To find your nearest one, check with London Farmers Markets.
Cafes
Karin’s favourite coffee shop is Unico, situated on the High Street, and LOVES their coffee.
Laurent’s Deli is a lovely addition to the High Street. You can find lots of sweet and savoury items and they also have a small deli and grocery store inside.
L’Oree is one of the latest additions to the High Streets and they have a range of cakes, baked goods and sandwiches.
Gail’s, situated just off St John’s Wood High Street, is very popular.
Hummingbird Bakery is all about cakes.
The Good Life Eatery, Starbucks, Pret-a-Manger, Panzer’s and Notes Coffee are other popular places.
Gourmet Grind, is a newly opened coffee shop in NW8! They serve carbon-negative coffee from Kiss the Hippo, offering a sustainable choice for coffee lovers.
Restaurants
Some of the most family friendly places in St John’s Wood are probably Pizza Express on Abbey Road, however there is an abundance of places locally and below are some other popular local places.
The Ivy – Situated on the High Street itself, this has quickly established itself as must go place. Lovely, sumptuous and also very family friendly. There are changing facilities downstairs and many in the group have found them to be very child friendly.
Soutine – Parisian chic on St John’s Wood High Street.
L’Aventure – A French restaurant that has been around forever. It has seen many a proposal…
Oslo Court – This is another restaurant that has been around for longer than one can imagine. It is also quite an experience to go.
The Duke of York – One of the longest standing pubs in the area and situated at the top of the High Street.
Café Med – A real neighbourhood restaurant with an open fire for winter and a wonderful terrace too.
Morso – A real Italian neighbourhood gem.
Maido Sushi – Delicious sushi from sitting in to grabbing lunch on the go.
The New Inn – They offer traditional roasts to cocktails.
Sushi Atelier at Panzer’s – Another great sushi place available for eating there or to have at home.
Sahara – Lebanese food on St John’s Wood High Street
Fora – Turkish restaurant just off St John’s Wood High Street
The Clifton NW8 – A gastro pub where you can get a good Sunday roast as well as other tasty dishes.
Singapore Garden – Here you can find lots of interesting dishes. This is technically in South Hampstead, but just on the border of St John’s Wood, so many locals go.
Atari-Ya – Many Japanese locals love the sushi here.
Crocker’s Folly – Wonderful Lebanese food in a stunning setting.
Kotta Sushi – The is a tiny hole-in-the-wall place and the sushi is divine.
England’s Grace – Beautiful food on St John’s Wood High Street.
Poke House is situated on St John’s Wood High Street.
Situated on Allitsen Road, just off St John’s Wood High Street, popular Johnny Green is great from morning till evening.
Drunch a family-run business renowned for offering delightful brunch, lunch, and dinner options daily is located on St John’s Wood Terrace.
Located just off Abbey Road lies the lovely Indian fine dining restaurant Ritu.
There are of course plenty of other places like Boundary Road which has a range of restaurants, nearby Primrose Hill, Belsize Park and Marylebone.
Small Local Food Businesses Run by NW8-mums
V & ME, delivery service, makes food for children, taking you from those first bites in the weaning stage and onwards.
Ruchi’s Artisanal Bakes is run by an NW8-mum who makes healthy snacks, cakes and more.
Nour, of This Is Nuun, another of our mums, makes contemporary luxury cakes which are works of art.
All Good Pantry makes gourmet nut butters which, I am told (I have a nut allergy) melt in your mouth.
Good In Bread, started by an NW8-mum in spring of 2020, runs a subscription based artisanal sourdough bread delivery service. She also has an online bakery. Karin has been a customer of Good In Bread since they started and her entire family is a HUGE fan.
