London restaurant OKN1 to offer catering experience to students 

Culinary arts, hospitality and catering school New City College Hackney is joining forces with Des McDonald Associates to launch a café and restaurant concept on the college’s campus this June, offering students paid catering experience.

Previously Open Kitchen, the Hoxton-based venue will be open to the public, with chefs and students collaborating on a menu described as “New European, by Hackney’s next generation.”

OKN1 will welcome a selection of residencies and collaborations with both chefs and renowned brands.

The menu is set to feature flatbreads with flat-iron chicken, 24-hour onions and Marmite butter; spiced squash hummus with whipped buffalo ricotta and pumpkin seeds; Suffolk bacon chop with fried egg and devilled sauce.

Desserts on offer will include East-End honey parfait with raspberries and toasted oats; Butlers gin-sour doughnuts; and chocolate Eton Mess sundaes.

The drinks list will include craft cocktails, with a selection of low-alcohol versions.

A terrace will offer guests views over the college grounds.

The team said: “Hoxton has a new kind of neighbourhood cafe. Putting community, craft and creativity first, our collaborative kitchen of student and professional chefs proudly serves dishes inspired by our surroundings and the seasons: all day, every day.”

Des McDonald Associates recently launched Tish in Belsize Park, a Kosher restaurant with the kitchen led by former head chef of Bob Bob Ricard, John Ellison.

OKN1 will launch on 19 June, operating a soft launch until the end of the month with 50% off food.