Opened in September 2024, Leydi, an elegant eatery celebrating the vibrancy of Istanbul’s eating culture, welcomes all, bringing new life to the historic Spiers & Pond building in Farringdon
The all-day restaurant, created in collaboration with renowned chef Selin Kiazim, features generous, celebratory Turkish food meant to be shared and savoured.
“Istanbul, like London, has that frenetic energy of a port town, where cultures and flavours mingle and develop,” Says Selin Kiazim. “My vision for Leydi is creating a stage for this rich culinary tradition. The menu is full of unapologetically delicious dishes that define the Istanbul dining tradition, designed to be enjoyed with friends and family long into the night.”
Located opposite the historic Old Bailey, Leydi will bring together city workers, Londoners, visitors, and night owls alike. The 90-cover dining room features plush banquettes, warm lighting, and understated references to Istanbul’s architecture and interiors.
The day begins with varied breakfast options reminiscent of legendary Turkish morning feasts. House pastries will include Böreks and Tahinli, a caramelised tahini spiral, or stuffed Lavash rolls and egg dishes such as Menemen.
Lunches are served in true lokanta style—the ubiquitous Istanbul neighbourhood restaurants that cater to everyone from students to bankers—with a menu that offers something for everyone.
Dishes evoking the spirit of Istanbul’s famous markets include House-made döner with freshly baked lavash, an Islak burger—a spiced beef köfte bun drenched in garlic tomato sauce—and Dayboat seafood fried in a semolina crust and served with green chilli and coriander ezme. Kiazim’s signature stone oven-baked Lahmacuns and Pides also feature proudly on the menu.
In the evening, Leydi transforms and takes inspiration from meyhanes: the warm, and festive tavernas that have been the meeting place of the world for centuries.
Menu highlights include popular mezes like Muhammara, Baked hummus with pastirma and Smoked aubergine, all complemented by freshly fired Turkish breads.
Central to Kiazim’s cooking and the Leydi menu is the Turkish mangal (wood-fired grill), offering traditionally hand-chopped Adana kebap, Welsh lamb kebap with dripping pide, and Chicken thigh shish with a fragrant fenugreek marinade.
The meal is rounded off with extravagant desserts, drawing on Turkey’s long history with all things sweet and spiced. Guests can choose from Turkish ice cream with pick & mix toppings, Pistachio katmer, and the stuffed kadayif pastry known as Künefe – with an XL version for larger groups to indulge in.
Head Chef Halil Simsek, who previously worked alongside Kiazim at her acclaimed restaurant Oklava, will bring the menu to life in the kitchen. Simsek started his culinary journey and honed his skills at renowned Istanbul restaurants such as Ristorante Italia di Massimo Bottura, Toi, and Must.
Expect free-flowing raki, wines from Turkey, Lebanon, Greece and further afield in Europe, and cocktails with a touch of spice and smoke. Kevin Patnode, mixologist, cocktail consultant, and two-time winner of the best bartender in Turkey, has created the bespoke drinks list for Leydi, with highlights including a Lion milk’s spritz made with raki, coriander seed, elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine.
Leydi is Ennismore’s creation for soon-to-open Hyde London City, the first UK outpost of the renowned Hyde hotel brand.
15 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EF
