Few restaurateurs have influenced the nation’s dining habits as Alan Yau. Dismissing preconceptions of Cantonese dining in Britain with Hakkasan and Thai with Busaba Eathai, he has now turned his gaze to the underappreciated cuisine of Turkey with Babaji, his latest venture. Located in London’s West End, the restaurant’s design comes courtesy of Istanbul-based studio Autoban and makes deft use of the space within a 19th century historic brick building. Referencing traditional Turkish design, the interior is dominated by vivid ceramic tiles, arranged in a striking tapestry of ink blue and gold. Traditional Iznik patterns add texture and detail to the soft furnishings, while the main dining area is enveloped by large glass windows that look out onto the frenetic energy of the street outside. Taking centre stage is a large stone oven which, housing a roaring fire, turns out perfect ‘pide’ (Turkish pizzas made with leavened dough), the restaurant’s primary raison d'être.
ADDRESS
53 Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 6LB
-
Patek Philippe brings 15 new timepieces to Watches and Wonders 2025The Swiss manufacturer showcases its intricate complications and elegant designs at the annual trade show with a suite of new models
-
Watches & Wonders 2025: preview Richemont’s latest innovations, on show at the Geneva watch fairDiscover eight enticing timepieces from the luxury group, showcased this week at the Geneva fair
-
Masters of midcentury modern design and their creations spotlighted in new book‘Mid-Century Modern Designers’ is a new book from Phaidon celebrating those who shaped the period and their notable creations, from furniture to objects
-
For a taste of Greece, head to this playful new restaurant in London’s ChelseaPachamama Group’s latest venture, Bottarga, dishes up taverna flavours in an edgy bistro-style setting
-
A buzzy Korean pop-up becomes a permanent fixture in East LondonChef Joo Won has turned his Calong pop-up permanent in the arty enclave of Stoke Newington
-
New London restaurant Alba is a sun-soaked affairIts name meaning ‘sunrise’ in Italian, Alba is a new Amalfi-inspired restaurant set to shine in Knightsbridge
-
Now boarding Air Anya: Anya Hindmarch’s ode to aviation’s golden ageAnya Hindmarch’s new London concept store and travel accessories collection celebrate the glamour of 1970s air travel
-
‘A place for carnivores’ – Ibai is a London restaurant that celebrates Basque Country beefA Clerkenwell restaurant where unhurried steak is the star of the show
-
La Môme London finds its home at The Berkeley hotelAll the razzle-dazzle of Cannes and Monte Carlo is wrapped up in this one fabulous dining room and terrace in London
-
The new dawn of the London sandwich shopThe appeal of a quick meal between two slices of bread has long held sway in the UK. We look back on the rise of the sandwich shop and explore the new wave of London venues that are making it a more stylised experience
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designThere’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
