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OKN1 – A Fresh Take on Casual Dining in Hoxton

Tucked just off Hoxton Square, OKN1 is more than just a restaurant—it’s a creative dining space where Hackney’s next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals hone their craft. This AA Gold Rosette-awarded spot blends laid-back bistro vibes with the precision of fine dining, delivering bold, seasonal flavours at incredible value.

Our kitchen is led by professionals with experience at top London institutions like Dean Street Townhouse, working alongside trainee chefs and hospitality students as they train for professional qualifications. Alumni include Victor Okunowo, a semi-finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals 2020.

Expect a menu that evolves with the seasons—modern British classics, crafted from scratch, using the best produce available. Whether you’re here for a long, lazy lunch, a quick bite, or a few small plates with cocktails, our open kitchen and garden space invite you to settle in and enjoy.

We’re also open for private hire and corporate events—with every visit, you’re supporting the future of hospitality in Hackney. All profits go directly into education, helping to train the next wave of culinary talent.

Come through, grab a seat, and experience food with purpose.

Featured
Trainee chefs crowned UK champions
Trainee chefs crowned UK champions

A trio of trainee chefs from New City College were crowned UK champions following an exciting live ‘cook-off’ at the final of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2022.

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Victor Okunowo
Victor Okunowo

Victor Okunowo is the head chef of London’s Talking Drum restaurant and was a semi-finalist of Masterchef: The Professionals 2020.

A former student at NCC’s Redbridge College, Victor says that studying Professional Cookery and Restaurant Management at the college in Chadwell Heath, was what kick-started his career.

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Trio of chefs through to exciting live cook-off
Trio of chefs through to exciting live cook-off

New City College trainee chefs Samuel Paoli, Maria Carbone and Paulo Dela Cruz, have made it through to the grand final of the Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2022.

The Country Range competition is a prestigious culinary contest which has become a firm fixture in the catering industry’s calendar.

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OKN1 to host Ukrainian Benefit Night
OKN1 to host Ukrainian Benefit Night

A Ukrainian Benefit Night to raise funds for UNICEF is being held at OKN1 Restaurant next week in support of two New City College students from Ukraine.

The special evening, on Thursday 17th March 2022, will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture with traditional music and a three-course menu of authentic Ukrainian cuisine.

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