Leydi brings the spirit of Istanbul to London with Selin Kiazim’s Turkish feast
The vibrant energy of Istanbul’s dining culture has arrived in London with the opening of Leydi, an all-day Turkish restaurant in Farringdon. Nestled in the historic Spiers & Pond building, this new eatery, created in collaboration with renowned chef Selin Kiazim, offers a deliciously bold menu that invites guests to share and savour the rich culinary traditions of Turkey.
Inspired by the bustling, multicultural spirit of Istanbul, Leydi brings a slice of Turkey’s capital to the heart of London. “Istanbul, like London, has that frenetic energy of a port town, where cultures and flavours mingle and develop,” says Selin Kiazim. “The menu is full of unapologetically delicious dishes designed to be enjoyed with friends and family long into the night."
The restaurant’s setting reflects this vision, with plush seating, warm lighting, and subtle nods to Istanbul’s architecture. Located just opposite the Old Bailey, Leydi’s 90-cover dining room offers a welcoming atmosphere for city workers, locals, and night owls alike.
The day begins with Turkish breakfast staples—think house-made böreks, caramelised tahini spirals known as Tahinli, and stuffed Lavash rolls. Egg lovers can indulge in Menemen, a traditional Turkish scrambled egg dish that’s perfect for starting the day right.
Lunches are inspired by Istanbul’s lokantas, the neighbourhood restaurants beloved by everyone from students to professionals. The menu boasts house-made döner with freshly baked lavash, a garlicky Islak burger (spiced beef köfte in tomato sauce), and dayboat seafood fried in a semolina crust. Kiazim’s signature stone-oven baked lahmacuns and pides also make an appearance.
As night falls, Leydi transforms into a lively meyhane—Turkey’s answer to the taverna. Guests can dig into flavour-packed mezes like Muhammara, baked hummus with pastirma, and smoked aubergine, all served with freshly fired Turkish breads.
At the heart of Leydi’s menu is the Turkish mangal (wood-fired grill). Dishes like hand-chopped Adana kebap, Welsh lamb kebap served with dripping pide, and chicken thigh shish marinated in fenugreek bring Kiazim’s love for live-fire cooking to the fore.
No Turkish feast would be complete without an indulgent dessert. At Leydi, guests can enjoy Turkish ice cream with pick & mix toppings, pistachio katmer, and a large-format Künefe for groups to share—an irresistible combination of crispy pastry, gooey cheese, and sweet syrup.
Behind the kitchen, Head Chef Halil Simsek, who trained in Istanbul and worked with Kiazim at her acclaimed Oklava, leads the charge, bringing years of experience from renowned restaurants like Ristorante Italia di Massimo Bottura and Toi.
The drinks list is equally impressive, with free-flowing raki, Turkish and Mediterranean wines, and cocktails crafted by mixologist Kevin Patnode, a two-time winner of Turkey’s best bartender award. Highlights include the Lion Milk’s Spritz, made with raki, coriander seed, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling wine.
As a collaboration with Ennismore, Leydi is the culinary centerpiece of the soon-to-open Hyde London City, the UK’s first outpost of the Hyde hotel brand. With its bold flavours, generous portions, and festive atmosphere, Leydi promises to bring the spirit of Istanbul’s vibrant food scene to the heart of London.