FOOD & DRINK / PROFILE
Turkish Delight Honor Oak Park’s new eatery Hattush is taking the area by storm Wo r d s r o s e n o e l
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his authentic Turkish Mediterranean restaurant takes its name from Hattusa, which was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. Its ruins lie near modern Bogazkale, Turkey, within the great loop of the Kızılırmak River. Before 2000 BC, a settlement of the apparently indigenous Hatti people was established on sites that had been occupied even earlier and referred to the site as Hattush. The Hattians built their initial settlement on the high ridge of Büyükkale. The owner, Sezar Ugur Soy and his wife Sefika converted a cramped and dark bar on Honor Oak Park into a stylish 70 seater eatery. The restaurant opens with breakfast at 9am and welcomes all diners from
YOU WILL experience A TRUE taste of ISTANBUL
intimate, two person dinners to large group gatherings – everyone is catered for, even the kids who are provided with crayons and colouring paper to keep them entertained. Sefika and Sezar have long dreamed of opening a family friendly restaurant where guests can come to unwind, have fun and experience a true taste of Istanbul. Sezar himself has had over nine years of running restaurants under his belt and has brought the full weight of his considerable expertise to bear in the opening of Hattush. In line with the name and the country and people it is derived from, the menu incorporates traditional dishes cooked over a charcoal fire ensuring an authentic and, most
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importantly, delicious flavour. As for why they chose Honor Oak Park as the place to open their restaurant? Sezar strongly believes that if a business plan is solid and has great foundations, a central London location is not necessary. In addition to pouring all his energy into making Hattush a success, Sezar is also an acclaimed singer with five albums under his belt as well as several music videos. Luckily for South East Londoners, you can catch him singing at the restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm. The entertainment doesn’t stop here; guests will also be treated to bellydancing and music all night long. During the summer months, visitors to Hattush can enjoy the sunshine and make use of the outdoor seating or grab a table indoors and enjoy the unique ambience that Sezar and Sefika have sought to create. The combination of interior design, personality and truly exceptional food have made Hattush a firm community favourite with people coming from far and wide to eat, drink and be merry. A few celebrities have even been known to pop in to enjoy some of the quality Turkish fare. In short, if you want to spend an evening you won’t soon forget, stop in to Hattush – it’s like taking a trip to Istanbul without ever leaving South East London.
S e z a r U g u r S o y, o w n e r
● h at t u sh 70 Honor Oak Park, SE23, 020 8291 1447 hattushrestaurant.co.uk
AUGUST 2016
29/07/2016 11:06