On Saturday 7 April, Joanna’s will offer a complimentary glass of Prosecco to diners joining them for lunch or dinner, to toast forty years since the critically-acclaimed family-run restaurant first opened in London's Crystal Palace.
To extend the 40th anniversary celebrations even further, the neighbourhood favourite will also serve an array of “vintage specials” until Sunday 22 April, showcasing much-loved classic dishes from their heritage.
Signature specialities being welcomed back include Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs smothered in BBQ sauce and accompanied by coleslaw and hand-chipped fries, Chargrilled Fillet Steak with chilli-roasted onions, crispy ‘seaweed’ and hand-cut thick chips, and Banoffee Pancake topped with toasted almonds, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
The 'vintage specials' can be enjoyed together with the team’s latest all-day menu, including the legendary Joanna’s Hamburger packed with smoked bacon, cheddar, club garnish and mayo, which has been a consistent best-seller ever since the venue’s launch in 1978.
John and Christina Ellner’s American grill-house influenced opening menu was unique in South London in the 1970s, and the husband and wife co-owners and their son William have continued to push the boundaries of neighbourhood dining over the past four decades.
Taking its name from the rhyming slang for the featured piano that was often playing, Joanna’s soon became a staple fixture locally and remains a valued part of the community renowned for both its warm hospitality and excellent food.
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!”