A black and white photograph showing the interior of a casual dining restaurant with pendant lights and wooden chairs.

Fergus Henderson: The Architect of Flavour



Walking through the doors of St. John always feels strangely perfect — calm, white, uncluttered. You notice the shape of the room, the light, the spacing of things. It’s only later that you remember Fergus Henderson trained as an architect before becoming a chef, and suddenly it all makes sense.


Fergus is a true legend — not just for the food (though of course, that too), but for what he represents. He welcomed me with such warmth which is not something you always expect from someone who changed the way a whole generation of chefs cook. He's a true legend of the restaurant business - an over-used phrase, I know, but for once it's befitting. That said, the thing about Fergus is that he’s quietly iconic. No fuss, no ego. Just a deep love of food and a wonderfully twinkly presence.

Black and white portrait of a bearded man in glasses and dark sweater sitting at restaurant table.

The kitchen was in full swing when I visited. It was great to see Pearl and Sophie running the hot line (an all-girl team!) and Nico breaking down a whole pig with that calm precision that comes from knowing exactly what you’re doing.


There’s a kind of magic in a place like St. John. Yes, it’s known for nose-to-tail eating, and yes, it’s won all the awards, but more than that, it just feels good to be there. Honest, thoughtful, alive.

A plain white wall with a small black text label that reads "TO BAR AND BEYOND-RIGHT->" mounted on it.
Two white ceramic tea cups with black metal holders face each other on a distressed white wooden surface.
Black chair leg on distressed white wooden flooring in a minimalist black and white composition.
Black and white photo of chefs working in a professional kitchen with steam and concentrated expressions.
A chef's knife rests next to folded white napkins on a dark surface in black and white.
A chef in a striped apron works meticulously at a prep station in a professional kitchen, shown in black and white.
Black and white photo of a bar interior with liquor bottles on display shelves and beer taps at the counter.
Stacks of black and white round bread show layered patterns in a monochromatic bakery display.
Black and white close-up view of fresh whole garlic bulbs clustered together showing papery white skins and roots.
Close-up black and white macro shot of palm leaf fronds creating abstract diagonal lines and patterns.
A chef in striped apron works at a restaurant pass counter in black and white photography.
Black and white photograph of hands cutting into a fresh loaf of bread on a dark surface.
A black and white overhead view of sausages and crumbs in a dark bowl on a light surface.
A black chalkboard menu hangs on a wall next to an industrial fan in a commercial kitchen space.
White tablecloth restaurant place setting with wine glasses and salt and pepper shakers in black and white.
A vintage black and white photograph of a bakery counter with shelves, equipment, and a chalkboard menu on the wall.
A black and white photograph of a bar interior with rows of liquor bottles and glasses on display shelves.
Black and white street view of St. John bar entrance with storefront signage in an urban setting.
A person sits alone at a table in a minimalist cafe interior with pendant lighting and white walls.
View from behind of an elderly person standing alone at a glass door entrance in black and white.
Professional black and white portrait of a photographer in a black turtleneck holding a vintage camera.

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Row of fashion and retail brand logos including Nobulls, DCA, and Angel London.