Enjoy delicious wholesome food at a nice price in a welcoming setting while helping shape London’s culinary future at OKN1 near Hoxton Square.
OKN1 is a collaborative kitchen of student and professional chefs and a training restaurant for New City College Hackney. Just off Hoxton Square, it’s a lovely spot for a quick coffee, laidback brunch, evening meal … you name it.
I attended the launch a couple of weeks back. I’d be happy to return, am keeping it in mind for future rendezvouses in the are, and would not hesitate recommending it to anyone looking for a quality dining experience.
Edible highlights ran the gamut from a classically British and deeply flavoursome Gloucester old spot sausage roll, to more contemporary and globally aware dishes like spiced squash with hummus and hake fillet with roasted chorizo and new potatoes. For dessert, a lightly salted caramel and puffed amaranth pot proved there’s plenty of prowess-in-training to admire from the OKN1’s up-and-coming pastry chefs.
The dining area is spacious and comfortable, there’s a cosy cafe/bar area and outdoor seating as well.
Prices are super reasonable for this increasingly expensive slice of East London. Smaller plates cost around £7 and bigger dishes are around £12 to £15. Sides are are £3. Desserts are between £2.50 and £6.
Service was excellent during my visit: prompt, friendly, and maybe a tad nervous (but endearingly so).
OKN1 is located at 40 Hoxton Street, N1 6LR. Find out more at okn1.co.uk.
