September 21, 2024

Hafız Mustafa Brings Ottoman Flavors to London’s Knightsbridge

Centennial Turkish Dessert Brand Arrives in Knightsbridge

Hafiz Mustafa 1864, the renowned Turkish dessert brand, has opened its first branch in London at 92 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge—a prime location known for luxury. The 150-seat branch offers a traditional dining experience, including 5 exclusive VIP rooms for guests seeking privacy. Hafiz Mustafa intends to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere while respecting its visitors’ cultural and spiritual traditions.

Welcoming the First Visitors

Hafız Mustafa 1864’s Managing Director, Ahmet Halit Demir, welcomed the first visitors at the opening event. Demir announced that a second London branch will soon open on Oxford Street, a central London shopping thoroughfare. The logo’s intention to represent Turkish cuisine and dessert traditions in one of the most prestigious districts of the city is shown by its introduction of Ottoman dessert culture to London. The new branch will improve the gastronomic options near the iconic Harrods shopping center.

The opening ribbon was cut with the participation of distinguished guests, including Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassador and First-Class Consul General Korkut Tufan, and the Representative of the TRNC in London, Ambassador Çimen Keskin. Also in attendance were Honorary Chairman of Hafız Mustafa 1864, Avni Ongurlar, along with Eren Ongurlar, Emre Ongurlar, Emirhan Ongurlar, and Timur Ongurlar. Lord Syed Kamal, embassy officer Hülya Karayılan, Consul General Secretary Nalan Tellioğlu, and Yunus Emre Institute Director Dr. Mehmet Karakuş were present, along with municipal council members Şazimet Palta İmre and İssa İssa. Business figures from Istanbul, Mehmet Şükrü Çeken and Faruk Ceylan joined the event, as did Vehbi Keleş, President of the European Turkish Brands Union, Atilla Abacıoğlu, President of the Turkish World Solidarity Platform in the UK, financial advisor Münir Tatar, lawyer Türkan Akbaş, and businessman Kazım Akkuş. The ceremony was filled with prayers and overseen by the director of Hafız Mustafa 1864, Ahmet Halit Demir, and restaurant manager Erdem Güven.

Expanding Presence in London

The branch has both indoor and outdoor seating for 150 visitors. “Hafiz Mustafa 1864” also runs a production plant in Enfield, North London. The business aims to offer locally produced confectionaries to Londoners while preserving high standards and freshness.

Established in Bahçekapı, Istanbul, in 1864, the ‘Hafiz Mustafa’ brand has grown to offer traditional desserts like baklava, kadayıf, pastries, and milk-based sweets. With an annual production of about 1,500 tons of desserts, the business aims to represent the best traditional Turkish desserts overseas.

Hafiz Mustafa adds to the tourism industry in the nations where its branches are located by serving 15 to 20 million customers a year, 60 percent of whom are tourists.

Our story begins in the era of the Tanzimat period, a time of transformative change and enlightenment. While Queen Victoria ascended the British throne and esteemed authors penned their first words, the Ottoman Empire witnessed its historic milestones. During this time, Hafiz Mustafa was born, a confectionery rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of culinary excellence.

London Branch | HM 1864

Hafiz Mustafa 1864

London Branch | HM 1864

Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Global Recognition and Awards

With the ‘Superior Taste Award’ from the International Taste Institute in Brussels in 2019, Hafiz Mustafa 1864 has achieved international recognition for its remarkable quality. Acknowledgments such as being named ‘Turkey’s Tourism and Culture Ambassador’ by Foodlife Magazine and coming in second on the list of ‘The World’s 150 Most Legendary Dessert Places’ prove the brand’s drive to perfection.

Reiterating its standing in the culinary world, Hafiz Mustafa recently earned the BBC Good Food Middle East Magazine Awards’ ‘Baked Goods and Pastry’ category. They honor the company’s contribution to the global promotion of Turkish cuisine.

Knightsbridge: London’s Luxury Hub

Knightsbridge is a residential and retail district in central London, south of Hyde Park. Identified in the London Plan as one of two international retail centers in London, alongside the West End, Knightsbridge is also the name of the roadway running along the south side of Hyde Park from Hyde Park Corner.

Knightsbridge lies at the heart of fashionable London, encompassing the horse-trodden paths of Hyde Park, the grand embassies of Belgravia, the museums of Kensington, and the artist residences of Chelsea. Today, the neighborhood hosts world-class shops, restaurants, and historic townhouses and is now home to Hafiz Mustafa. As London expanded, Knightsbridge became part of the city. A chapter in the area’s history was the King’s Road Commission.

Reputable eateries with stylish interiors and a wide menu serving all kinds of cuisine can be found all over Knightsbridge.

Reflections from the Hafız Mustafa Leadership

Honorary Chairman Avni Ongurlar stated, “Having a branch in London is an indicator of Hafiz Mustafa’s illustrious history and contribution to the international promotion of our nation. We aim to preserve the confectionery recipes from our forefathers while developing a delicious legacy that people from all backgrounds can appreciate.”

Chairman Eren Ongurlar said, “The decision to open a branch in London was to bridge the gap between two cultures, creating a place where traditions meet and people can discover culinary delights. London, a city that has witnessed the birth of great artistic, literary, and scientific aspirations, now welcomes the flavors of Hafiz Mustafa.”

Managing Director Ahmet H. Demir said, “Our story begins in the era of the Tanzimat period, a time of transformative change and enlightenment. While Queen Victoria ascended the British throne and esteemed authors penned their first words, the Ottoman Empire witnessed its historic milestones. During this time, Hafiz Mustafa was born, a confectionery rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of culinary excellence.” Demir added, “We have many cultural commonalities with England; we wanted to crown this unity with taste.”