Duo Behind Istanbul’s Yeni Lokanta open Yeni in Soho

A token of Bosphorous’ culinary heritage comes to Beak Street on 21st January.

Six years after setting up the critically acclaimed Yeni Lokanta restaurant in Istanbul, Chef Civan Er and business partner Cem Bilge are bringing the restaurant’s signature style to London. This will be the duo’s debut in the capital.

Duo Behind Istanbul’s Yeni Lokanta open Yeni in Soho
Chef Civan Er

Dishes at the Soho venue draw influence from the famed Silk Road and the myriad ethnicities that unite in Istanbul, a juncture between Europe and Asia.

Street food-style plates with modern touches will include olive oil-braised vegetables, ‘Zeytinyalgi’; and Ribs with Isot Pepper on Sourdough with Cracked Wheat, Sour Cherries and Sumac Molasses – each prepared on a charcoal josper grill. For dessert, expect Smoked Buffalo Milk Ice Cream; Salted Caramel Panna Cotta; and Kadajifi-covered Custard Fritters.

Duo Behind Istanbul’s Yeni Lokanta open Yeni in Soho

The interiors will showcase artisanal craftsmanship from the streets of Istanbul, replete with floral Levantine tiles, hand-blown chandeliers and solid onyx walls.

“For me, it’s exciting and humbling to be able to bring Yeni to the city where my professional journey began,” says Chef Er, whose accolades include GQ and Time Out’s Chef of the Year 2014.  “Yeni looks forward to inviting London to feast on our take on Istanbul’s style.”

 

Yeni is due to launch on 21st January 2019 in London’s Soho.

Yeni, 55 Beak St, Soho, London, W1F 9SH

 

Words by Jade Hammond