St John’s Wood Gets Exciting New All-Day Dining Destination
A Fresh Addition to St John’s Wood’s Food Scene
St John’s Wood residents have reason to celebrate. No. Forty-Nine, a striking new all-day venue, has just opened its doors at 49 St John’s Wood High Street, bringing together a bakery, bistro, and wine bar under one roof. The neighbourhood, long beloved for its tree-lined streets and village feel despite being minutes from central London landmarks like Buckingham Palace, now has a compelling reason to linger on the high street itself.
The venture comes from Jake Finn and head chef Ella Williams, the duo behind acclaimed spot Cinder. Their reputation for bold, technically assured cooking precedes them—particularly their notorious crab doughnut, which has become something of a cult favourite among London foodies. This new venture promises to bring that same creativity and expertise to a more accessible, all-day format.
Located in a prominent corner position with floor-to-ceiling windows, No. Forty-Nine immediately feels part of the neighbourhood’s DNA. Unlike some restaurants that cater to passing trade, this spot is designed for locals to genuinely settle in, whether grabbing morning pastries, lunch plates, or evening wine. For a community that values quality without pretension, it’s a welcome addition.
What’s on the Menu? Creative Cooking at Its Best
The menu reflects Williams’ philosophy: creative, ingredient-driven cooking that spans from delicate morning pastries through to substantial evening fare. Early highlights include cornbread madeleines topped with scotch bonnet butter—a standout that demands ordering extras—and the signature crab choux buns, which showcase the same pastry excellence that made their predecessor famous.
For lunch and dinner, the kitchen delivers both refinement and indulgence. Hake en papillote with vierge beurre blanc offers a lighter touch, whilst the steak haché goes full throttle with peppercorn sauce and crispy chips. Desserts don’t hold back either; the Crack Pie with sea salt and crème fraîche delivers unapologetic indulgence.
The wine programme leans Old World with thoughtful selections including low-intervention bottles and English sparkling by the glass. Staff have clearly tasted everything on offer—the Slavonia orange proved versatile across multiple dishes during testing. This isn’t fine dining with theatrical pretension; it’s skilled, approachable cooking in a bright, welcoming space where people-watching comes free with your reservation. For St John’s Wood residents tired of chains and expecting better, this represents genuine neighbourhood hospitality done properly.
Why This Matters for the Community
St John’s Wood has always attracted families, professionals, and creative types drawn to its quieter, more residential character compared to busier central areas near Trafalgar Square or Soho. Yet the high street itself has felt increasingly generic in recent years, dominated by familiar names rather than distinctive local destinations.
No. Forty-Nine addresses this directly. Independent restaurant openings by established chefs represent genuine investment in neighbourhood quality of life. Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic. Families gain a sophisticated yet relaxed gathering space. Workers have somewhere worth eating that isn’t a chain. The team’s commitment to all-day service—from morning pastries through to late drinks—means it’s genuinely integrated into daily rhythms rather than just evening dining.
For those across north London seeking proper restaurants with real character, this removes excuses to travel further. Yes, the Ivy sits across the road, but it’s corporate hospitality. No. Forty-Nine is neighbourhood restauration by people who care. That distinction matters. As London’s food scene increasingly divides between Instagram-bait spectacle and genuine quality, independent ventures like this remind us what community dining should actually feel like. Visit, support it, and watch how it becomes a St John’s Wood institution. These places don’t stay under-the-radar long.
Source: No. Forty-Nine Review | “St John’s Wood Gets a New Local”
