Farewell to one of South London’s oldest restaurants… Joanna’s

There is sad news from one of South London’s oldest restaurants.

Joanna’s in Crystal Palace has closed its doors after 45 years.

Owner Will Ellner, son of the original owners, blames the current economic climate and the pressures faced by small businesses in the hospitality sector.

So many of us loved and will greatly miss Joanna’s.

It stood the test of time and succeeded when so many restaurants failed, some barely lasting beyond the first year.

Quickly becoming the Crystal Palace culinary benchmark, Joanna’s gave so many a hand in the growing up game.

It was one of the first restaurants I visited in my teen years, without my parents. They footed the bill, of course.

Joanna’s had style and dining there made you feel you’d arrived.

It made British cuisine cool at a time when many internationally considered it a culinary laughing stock.

It also highlighted the classic American burger as fit for a restaurant menu and not just the takeaway masses.

Weekends were punctuated by the full English cooked to exacting standards and roasts on Sunday.

At a time when the latter dish fell from favour from menus, Joanna’s kept it going and went bigger and better.

Remember giant Yorkshire puddings before they were the norm?

Joanna’s and the Ellner family, we salute you. Thanks for the service and all the memories.

The good news is some fresh blood has emerged in the past few months.

Crystal Palace has welcomed Spinach, an all-day dining spot, replicating the healthy menu made popular at its sister restaurant in East Dulwich.

Finishing interior touches are being made and doors open soon.

In Tooting, diners have taken Fourteen, tapas and cocktails, to their hearts.

Sunnyhill Thai Kitchen has opened in Streatham to rave reviews.

 

Picture: Joanna’s Picture: Google Street View