Kismet to bring Istanbul meyhane culture and Turkish-Cypriot flavours to Borough Market this July

This July, restaurateur Dom Hamdy and chef Keiran Mustafa will open Kismet, a new eatery inspired by the traditional meyhanes of Istanbul and Northern Cyprus, that sits above The Globe Tavern in Borough Market. The venue will operate as a year-long residency in a space that has previously housed restaurants including Chishuru and Tou, bringing meze and mangal-grilled kebabs to south London.

The meyhane has long been a social institution in Istanbul and Northern Cyprus – a traditional tavern or pub, typically with live music. Food, drink, music and conversation are central, and dishes arrive in waves rather than in distinct courses. Kismet draws on this format, building its offer around meze and charcoal-grilled kebabs, available either à la carte or as a set menu priced at £48.

As a Turkish musician performs live, service will begin with meze dishes from £7, including Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye (braised green beans in olive oil), Atom (buffalo milk yoghurt with chilli butter), Bulgur Köftesi (fried, stuffed bulgur wheat dumplings) and Yaprak Ciğer (fried lamb’s liver). Kebabs from the charcoal grill start at £18 and include Kuzu Şiş (lamb leg with tail fat) and Şeftali Kebabı (a Cypriot minced lamb and beef kebab wrapped in caul fat). Sides come in the form of Meyhane Pilavı, made with bulgur wheat and tomatoes, Patates Kizartmasi (fried Cyprus potatoes) and more. For dessert there’s Fıstıklı Dondurma (pistachio ice cream) and baklava.

Raki, Türkiye’s anise-flavoured national spirit, features prominently on the drinks list, available by the glass or bottle in several styles. In a nod to meyhane custom, regulars can buy a bottle and leave it on the restaurant’s shelf for their next visit. The wine list focuses predominantly on producers from across Türkiye’s wine-growing regions, covering both indigenous and internationally recognised grape varieties. Among the producers are Sevilen and Kuzubağ, a female-led team working with native Aegean varietals. Bottles start at £38, with several wines available by the glass from £7.50.

Also on offer is Basketcase, a bottled lager brewed in partnership with Coalition Brewery. The name refers to men once employed by Istanbul bars to carry drunk patrons home in person-sized baskets strapped to their backs. For those aiming to avoid a similar fate, alongside the alcoholic tipples there are soft options such as Uludağ Gazoz, a citrus Turkish soda, and Ayran, a salted yoghurt drink. 

Kismet’s interior has been designed by Studio Adra in collaboration with Hamdy and Mustafa, drawing on the character of the establishments that inspired it. The design combines dark wood finishes, white tablecloths, low ambient lighting, black-and-white photography and traditional lace window dressings.

“Growing up in a Turkish-Cypriot family, food was always at the centre of gatherings,” said Mustafa. “The meyhane has long been one of my favourite expressions of hospitality; generous, lively and built around sharing.”

Hamdy added: “I’m thrilled to be bringing Kismet to life with Keiran. Having worked together on a number of projects and having spent a significant time together in both Istanbul and Northern Cyprus, we share a deep appreciation for the culture, hospitality and traditions that inspire Kismet. What excites me most is that we’re creating something genuinely distinctive – our own interpretation of the traditional Turkish meyhane, drawn from Keiran’s heritage, but thoughtfully reimagined for London. It’s also particularly meaningful for me to be returning to Borough Market, where my journey in food began more than a decade ago. To launch a new restaurant here feels like a full circle moment.”

Food Desk

Kismet is scheduled to open on 16^th July 2026 upstairs at The Globe Tavern, 8 Bedale Street, London SE1 9AL. For further information or to book a table, visit the restaurant’s website here.