Turkish chef Kemal Demirasal is gearing up to unveil his second London restaurant, the Counter Soho, next month, following the success of the Counter in Notting Hill, which opened two years ago.
The Counter Notting Hill, renowned for its traditional South Eastern Anatolian cuisine, marked Demirasal's first restaurant venture outside of Turkey, developed in collaboration with Gees Court Partners.
In collaboration with Gees Court, his second endeavor introduces a fresh concept—a 60-cover grill restaurant named the Counter Soho, accompanied by an underground listening and cocktail bar, Under the Counter, seating 30 guests.
At the Kingly Street establishment, patrons can expect a menu inspired by the diverse cuisines of the Aegean region, drawing from Demirasal's upbringing in Izmir. Signature dishes will include whipped tarama with fish roe, cheese saganaki adorned with pistachio and honey, and grilled octopus served with mashed fava.
Fans of Demirasal's culinary prowess will delight in finding signature dishes from the Counter Notting Hill, including the chocolate babaganoush with dukkah and Levantine lamb tartare, featured on the menu at the Counter Soho. Additionally, patrons can indulge in a rotating selection of seafood delicacies and daily catch specials.
Under the Counter promises a tantalising fusion of Greek, Turkish, Mediterranean, and Levantine flavors, both in its culinary offerings and cocktail creations. Imbibers can savor innovative drinks like the Silkroad, crafted from sesame oil Cognac, amaretto, sugar syrup, and lemon, or the Yia Mas, a delightful blend of rum, osmanthus, yuzu, Maraschino, and tonic water.
Both venues have been meticulously crafted by Turkish design firms Mia Architecture and Tugcu Design.
The downstairs bar will boast a state-of-the-art sound system, complete with a Michell Gyrodec turntable, Michell TecnoArm, and Technics 1210 turntable, paired with Klipsch Cornwall and Klipsch Heresy speakers for an immersive audio experience.
Demirasal said: 'We're really excited to be bringing the flavours of the Aegean, which unites Greece and Turkey, to central London. We couldn't be happier to be opening our second restaurant in Soho and to open our first ever bar, Under the Counter, in the heart of London's vibrant West End.'