10 questions with Zoe Paskin

Zoë Paskin is co-founder, with her brother Layo, of Studio Paskin, the hospitality group behind such hits as The Palomar and Evelyn’s Table in Soho, and The Barbary in Covent Garden. As they celebrate 10 years since The Palomar first opened, the siblings continue to build on a story that began with Layo’s legendary ’90s nightclub The End and has since grown into one of the UK’s most distinctive restaurant families.

With Studio Paskin’s venues now live on the CODE app with up to 30% off the total bill, we put Zoë in the hot seat for a quickfire round of questions.

What’s your favourite dish from The Palomar?
The kubaneh. It’s been a signature from the start, and what I appreciate most is how it draws people in — from children to formal occasions, everyone instinctively reaches in to tear the bread.

Where’s your favourite place to go after hours?
Talking into the small hours back at mine.

What’s your secret London tip? 
Walk everywhere, and look up. I started doing that when living in Barcelona and not taking my environment for granted.

What’s the best thing you can do with £20 in London?
Parliament Hill lido is a great place to go and always transports me back to my childhood in the summer.

Where do you go when you want to splurge?
The Dover – the elegance of the room and the way it makes you feel, the way the team looks after you without ever overstepping. The service is exceptional in that understated, sincere way that stays with you long after you’ve left. 

Which CODE offer are you going to be snapping up?
Alta in Soho.

What’s your favourite thing to cook at home?
Christian and I have our roast chicken and all the trimmings down pat! It’s the best family meal of the week.

Which element of your job do you like most and like least?
Most: walking into any great restaurant and feeling all of the elements come together but it’s even more special when I see our team; it is a kind of magic. Least: the juggle of it all and navigating all the planned – and unplanned – things that crop up in a week.

What’s your favourite and least favourite ingredient?
Favourite: black pepper – I have been known to pack a pepper mill in my luggage. Least: liver, but I’ll tolerate it in small doses.  

When you’re not working or eating out, where will we find you?
Always with the family.