This April, Yosma, London’s first Meyhane, will launch a new series of ‘çilingir’ Locksmith Dinners hosted by Executive Chef Hus Vedat, each Tuesday evening from 7pm. Following the traditions of the Meyhane, at the heart of Turkish social life, Yosma invites guests to share in the age-old ritual of gathering around the table with friends, beginning the night with a raki to shrug off the stresses of the week and raise a glass with a feast of Yosma’s meze plates, taking you from Baker Street to the backstreets of Istanbul.
Said to unlock the passions of the heart and set lips loose with secrets and stories, a bottle of Raki will be cracked open before a host of meze laden the table. Dishes will include; Balik (Dayboat- caught fish for two, barbecued whole); Pastırma (air-dried beef, çemen, caper leaves, fennel tops); Levrek Marine (sea bass, grapefruit, fennel, green chilli); Pancar (pit roasted beetroot, garlic oil, dill) and Fırık Salata (freekeh, spring onion, blueberries).
Yosma’s bar will also be on hand to shake things up with their raki cocktails, from the Ya Sonra with olive, fennel pollen and sparkling wine to the Yosma, their signature cocktail of Turkish apple tea vodka with pomegranate vermouth and raki spices, for an Eastern kick.
‘In Istanbul we have something called ‘Sohbet’, this means sharing a good story or two, traditionally, to quench the thirst of the soul. As you can imagine, these stories get more and more interesting as the night goes on… throw in a few good friends and some meze, and you’ve got the perfect antidote to the pressures of London life.’ Says Hus Vedat.