10 questions with The Parakeet’s Ben Allen

Chef Ben Allen is a live fire obsessive who honed his craft in the world-famous kitchens of Steiereck in Austria and Brat in East London before returning to his native North London in 2023 to open The Parakeet in Kentish Town. With The Parakeet’s offer now live on CODE, we took the chance to find out some more about him.

What’s the most underrated dish on your menu?

Tokyo turnip carpaccio.

Where’s your favourite place to go after-hours?

Mascara Bar, Stoke Newington.

What’s your secret London tip?

A real Londoner knows a good Turkish breakfast, Hanimeli in Dalston is the best.

What’s the best thing you can do with £20 in London?

Go for a swim at London Fields Lido and then head to Pockets for some falafel. With your change grab a fresh oyster from fin and flounder on Broadway market.

Where do you go when you want to splurge?

Bouchon Racine.

Which CODE offers are you going to be snapping up?

The Little Duck Picklery in Dalston.

What’s your favourite thing to cook when you’re off?

Ramen or Pho – always Asian.

Which kitchen task do you like most and like least?

Love prepping fish, hate peeling onions.

What’s the most overrated ingredient?

Courgette flower.

When you’re not working in a restaurant or eating in a restaurant, where will we find you?

At an Arsenal Match, or in the park with my kids.

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