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The Parakeet
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
smokystylishlively
About the Vibe
Tucked behind a velvet curtain in a big-boned old pub, The Parakeet trades its unassuming front bar for a stylish dining room where live-fire grilling takes center stage. You'll find Ben Allen's kitchen throwing whole turbot and lamb belly over open flames, creating those smoky, charred flavors that foodies crave. The stained-glass touches and wood panelling give it a proper London pub feel, but the menu is anything but traditional—think house pickles, duck tartlets, and mutton sausages that push boundaries without losing soul. Just be prepared: the dog-friendly policy means you might share your table with a curious pup, which some locals find charming and others... well, slightly chaotic.
Known For
- •live-fire grilled lamb ribs
- •duck tartlets
- •house pickles
- •wood-fired whole fish
Best For
group dinnersdate nightfoodie adventures
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 8, 2026
Smoky flavors, local charm
The Parakeet is exactly the kind of place that makes you glad you live in London—a proper pub with a serious kitchen attached. The live-fire grill is the star here; those lamb ribs are precisely cut and beautifully charred, and the duck tartlets are a must-order if you're feeling adventurous. The dining room itself has real character with its wood paneling and stained glass, though you'll need to duck through a velvet curtain to find it, which adds to the sense of discovery.
The food is genuinely excellent, but the experience isn't for everyone. The dog-friendly policy is polarizing—some love the chaos, others find it distracting. And yes, the bill can climb quickly for what are sometimes modest portions, but you're paying for the technique and the quality of ingredients. Go for the grilled meats and the house pickles, and maybe skip the chocolate torte if you're already stuffed from the mains.
If you're looking for a place that feels local but still delivers on technique and flavor, this is it. Just come with friends who won't mind a little canine company, and maybe bring your own sense of humor about the whole dog situation.