Restaurant
St. JOHN Smithfield
Fergus Henderson's influential Smithfield restaurant, founded in 1994 and known for nose-to-tail British cooking from a daily changing menu.
The Quality Chop House
A Farringdon dining room established in 1869, now serving contemporary British cooking that reflects its history as a working men's chop house.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern British
- Area
- Farringdon, London, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- thequalitychophouse.com
Good to know
- Historic dining room
- Sunday lunch
- Wine list
Why we recommend it
The Quality Chop House on Farringdon Road was established in 1869 as a dining room for working men, and its original Victorian interior, with narrow wooden booths, tiled floors and etched glass, survives today. The sign over the door still promises a progressive working class caterer. Now part of the Woodhead Restaurant Group, it serves contemporary British cooking that respects that history, built on carefully sourced British produce and a strong wine list.
The menu changes regularly with the seasons. Meat cooked over fire, including chops and larger cuts to share, sits alongside fish, seasonal vegetables and well-made starters and puddings. The restaurant is especially known for its layered confit potatoes, crisp outside and soft within, which have become something of a signature. Sunday lunch is a popular occasion, and the wine list is long and thoughtfully chosen, reflecting the group's interest in wine; the related Quality Wines bar and shop is close by.
The restaurant suits couples, small groups, food lovers and anyone wanting a characterful room with serious but unfussy cooking. The original booths can feel snug, but that is part of the charm, and the room has a warm, relaxed atmosphere. It is a good choice for a long lunch with friends or a special dinner without the formality of fine dining.
Opening times are split between lunch and dinner. Dinner is served from 18:00 to 21:45 Monday to Saturday, and lunch runs from 12:00 Tuesday to Saturday, closing at 14:30 on weekdays and 14:45 on Saturdays. On Sunday the restaurant serves lunch only, from 12:00 to 15:30, and there is no Sunday dinner. Tables can be booked through the online reservation link on the official website, and booking is recommended for dinner and Sunday lunch. Smaller tables in the booths are the most characterful seats, so mention it when booking if you would like one, and ask the staff for wine suggestions, as the list is long.
The Quality Chop House is on Farringdon Road at the edge of Clerkenwell, a short walk from Farringdon station, which is served by the Elizabeth line, Thameslink and Underground. Exmouth Market, with its restaurants and cafés, is just around the corner, and Clerkenwell Green, St John's Gate and Smithfield are within easy walking distance.
The Quality Chop House FAQs
When was The Quality Chop House established?
In 1869. It marked its 150th anniversary in 2019.
Is it open on Sunday evenings?
No, Sunday is lunch only, from 12:00 to 15:30.
When is lunch served?
Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00, until 14:30 on weekdays and 14:45 on Saturdays.
When is dinner served?
Monday to Saturday from 18:00 to 21:45.
How do I book?
Online through the reservation link on the official website.
What is it known for?
Contemporary British cooking, chops and its confit potatoes, served in the original Victorian dining room.
Which station is nearest?
Farringdon, a short walk away.
What is nearby?
Exmouth Market is just around the corner, and Clerkenwell and Smithfield are close.