Nestled in the heart of Wimbledon, Efes Premium Restaurant is a culinary gem that has taken Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine to new heights. Designed and crafted by the talented team at Kapeti Interior Architecture, this gastronomic haven boasts two vibrant bars and a dining experience that seamlessly marries contemporary design with the timeless allure of Anatolian traditions.
In the diverse landscape of Wimbledon, a beloved London locale, Efes Wimbledon has emerged as a beacon, beckoning locals to embark on a journey through Anatolian flavors. When the idea for this remarkable restaurant sprouted, Servet Yuksel, who wears the dual hats of design director and project manager, envisioned a space where patrons could feel at home, revel in moments of joy, and become regulars for those cherished special occasions. To achieve this, he sought to infuse elements from Anatolian and Aegean cultures into the restaurant’s design—a journey that would ultimately be inspired by the ancient city of Ephesus (Ephesos in Greek).
Efes (Ephesos), with its roots tracing back to the Neolithic era and its golden age during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, served as the muse for Efes Premium. This ancient city, once home to the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—endowed our project with a wealth of historical richness. Some of its architectural remnants still grace modern-day Turkey, testaments to Ephesus’s grandeur across the ages.
The collaborative effort between Kapeti Interior Architecture – London and Sonraki Interior Architecture – Istanbul embarked on a design journey that intricately weaved this illustrious history into every facet of Efes Premium. A diverse array of materials, colors, and textures from both Turkey and England converged to recreate the Anatolian dining experience for the discerning clientele of London. The aim was to seamlessly integrate it into the fabric of London’s cultural tapestry.
The restaurant’s metalwork pays homage to ancient architecture, while stone and ceramics showcase the craftsmanship of Central Anatolia and the Aegean region. The marbles adorning our tables hail from quarries nestled in the enchanting Aegean and Mediterranean landscapes, while the furniture is a harmonious blend of Turkish and British design elements.
Efes Premium’s upper floor boasts a purposeful layout designed for Anatolian Fasıl nights, immersing guests in a night of lively music and tradition. Upstairs, a well-equipped stage awaits, ready to host a myriad of captivating events. As for the heart of the culinary experience—the kitchen—it is strategically situated on the ground floor, consisting of various sections. An open kitchen at the forefront of the restaurant ensures that every guest can witness the culinary artistry unfolding, right from the grill to the oven.
This transparent layout invites patrons to visually absorb the modernized ambiance of Anatolia from the moment they step inside, transforming their dining experience into a tantalizing voyage of taste. Efes Premium, a shining beacon of London’s burgeoning Turkish cuisine scene, offers a delectable array of dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Anatolia. From start to finish, it’s a symphony of flavors and design, making Efes Premium Restaurant a must-visit destination for connoisseurs of design, architecture, gastronomy, and the rich tapestry of restaurant culture.
