January 2025 - Food

A Day-Glo-bright artwork of Jimi Hendrix with a couple of parakeets provides the first indication that you’re in the presence of greatness. The rumour that the guitarist introduced the colourful birds to London might have been debunked, but there’s no doubting the quality of the roasts at The Parakeet, a Kentish Town boozer turned top-drawer gastro pub replete with stained-glass windows. The smoky, wood-fired lamb is melt-in-the-mouth, the gravy richly flavoursome. As with any great roast, though, it’s all about the accoutrements: the pillowy yet crunchy spuds, the zesty greens, the great gooey spoonfuls of cauliflower cheese.