Vegetable Soup Vegetable Soup

A hearty blend of fresh seasonal vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.

Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen

40 Hoxton St, Hackney, United Kingdom

Pub • British • European • Contemporary


"Many restaurants had to close during the Covid pandemic, so I was pleased to see that a favourite place has re-opened. Five years ago I reviewed OKN1 or Open Kitchen as it was then called, and I have to report it is even better now. It is part of the New City College's School of Hospitality and Catering Arts, training young would-be chefs, waiters, bar staff, managers and catering assistants. The results are fantastic. One of our recent visits found us enjoying excellent leek and lentil soups, Chicken cordon bleu and Beef rendang, all well cooked and nicely presented. Another visit offered very fine Miso ginger braised pork belly, without a hint of the usual fattiness of this dish. The Grilled butterflied poussin was also a treat. All dishes come with vegetables or rice and salad. Other options we noted were a Breaded plaice sandwich, Thai poached salmon, Confit duck leg and a Vegan mushroom bourguignon. Desserts might include a rich Chocolate fondant, a vegan Coconut mango rice pudding, Orange tart or an Exotic fruit salad. As well as offering some great and imaginative cooking, the prices for the Tuesday to Friday lunches are ridiculously reasonable with starters and desserts at £3.50 and main meals just £6. Evening meals on Thursday and Friday are a little dearer but still good value. The cooking is excellent and the waiting staff are learning the ropes with enthusiasm, so everybody deserves to be congratulated and encouraged as they will be the catering successes of the future. Highly recommended."