Critically-acclaimed Crystal Palace institution. Joanna’s will celebrate its 40th birthday this April by welcoming back an array of 'vintage specials' on the menu, showcasing some of the most beloved classic dishes from the neighbourhood favourite’s heritage.
Available from Friday 23 March to Sunday 22 April to allow friends old and new plenty of opportunity to sample these returning signature specialities, the limited edition menu will be provided alongside the restaurant’s seasonal a la carte selection.
Renowned for its relaxed welcoming atmosphere and warm hospitality coupled with skilful cooking, Joanna’s will offer a complimentary glass of Prosecco to those visiting for lunch or dinner on Saturday 7 April, to toast the family-run restaurant’s official anniversary.
Guests joining Joanna’s for its 40th birthday celebrations will be able to take their pick from Chilli Con Carne with sour cream and corn chips or Classic Prawn Cocktail to start, both of which were served in the restaurant’s inaugural year.
Diners can then feast on a Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs smothered in BBQ sauce and accompanied by coleslaw and hand-chipped fries (also from 1978), or tuck into Chargrilled Fillet Steak with chilli-roasted onions, crispy ‘seaweed’ and hand-cut thick chips, originally introduced in 1992 and is still talked about longingly by regulars now.
Those looking for a sweet ending to their meal are sure to be satisfied by the Banoffee Pancake topped with toasted almonds, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, a hugely popular dessert at the venue throughout the 1990s and into the next century that is just as delightfully indulgent today.
The 'vintage specials' can be enjoyed together with the team’s latest all-day offering, including the legendary Joanna’s Hamburger packed with smoked bacon, cheddar, club garnish and mayo, which has been a consistent best-seller on the menu ever since 1978.
John and Christina Ellner’s American grill-house influenced opening menu was unique in South London at that time, and over the past four decades the husband and wife co-owners and their son William have continued to push the boundaries of neighbourhood dining.
Taking its name from the rhyming slang for the featured piano that was often played both by John and by the restaurant’s visitors, Joanna’s rapidly became a staple fixture locally and remains a much-loved and trusted part of the community 40 years on.
Owner William Ellner said, “We believe that it is our willingness to adapt and evolve that has enabled Joanna’s to continue to thrive after four decades. Of course, many things have changed since 1978, but the atmosphere, warmth and hospitality at the heart of our restaurant remains. We are most thankful to all of the people who have supported us over the years and placed us at the heart of the Crystal Palace dining community, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate our 40th birthday with us this year!”
