<ul fr-original-style="padding-inline-start: 20px;" style="padding-inline-start: 20px; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; list-style-position: inside; box-sizing: border-box;"><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Currently, I’m at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/weinobib/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Weino Bib</a> but if I wasn’t doing that, I would go back to making sculptures.</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">According to my friends, I’m a master of making people feel welcome, I like people!</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">I live in Hackney but I’m from&nbsp;Sydney in my heart because I’m actually from there and I love that sun!</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">If not at Weino Bib, you can find me at Clissold Park&nbsp;walking my dachshund or at Tây Đô in Shoreditch, enjoying some Vietnamese food.</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/gwadakitchen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Gwada</a>, The Ethiopian place a few doors down from Weino Bib is a local gem. I haven’t tried it yet but I’m excited to. Small business owners should support other small businesses.</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Something I can never find in London:&nbsp;Proper Asian food, or a beach.</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">My go-to glass of wine is: These days it’s Weino Bib’s Bianco Puglia. It’s a naughty cloudy thing perfect for sliding into the evening.</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">On a Sunday afternoon you can find me: Partaking in the English tradition of taking a wintery often blustery walk&nbsp;that finishes at a pub with a pint of flat beer&nbsp;and a Sunday roast.</li><li dir="ltr" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">I have recently found inspiration in Bill Gates' book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster. He, with the help of research from the Gates Foundation, has created an amazing guide to understanding complex issues.&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Here is my current playlist: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2bS1WzYxzFBSkLwKdpng29?si=OJZyMOTgQwmAKxC4EORTkQ" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Falling Leaves</a></li></ul>

Soli

We are on the streets of Dalston with Kirsty. But first we have to find out: Who is she? Where can we find her in the neighborhood?  

Kirsty Tinkler

To know more about Yasemin and check out her guide about Istanbul performing arts &amp; theatre scene subscribe to <a fr-original-style="" href="https://aposto.com/i/3-2-1-action" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Aposto Istanbul</a> and read the interview. We are waiting for you there.&nbsp;<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">ID</h2>My nickname: Yaso, Bahlül or Yasmine (for all non-Turkish speakers)I have recently discovered: Song Que, the best pho place in LondonI live in: Istanbul and London, but my heart belongs to our village house at Milas.I definitely want to see: Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman even though it’s coming next summer. Lily Allen will act in it so that makes it even more exciting.For a play, this is the destination: I think the plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre are always a great catch.My favourite daytime hangout: Music and Beans Shoreditch or One Hundred Hotel.A Londoner you must meet: Joseph Charlton is of great interest to me because he is a former journalist and a playwright.This theatre is a local gem: I am not sure about calling it a 'local' gem but I would definitely say Arcola Theatre.Only a true Londoner would know: Not to press the button to open the tube door.<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">SHOOT THE BREEZE</h2>How long have you been a Londoner? What attracted you to this city?I wouldn’t dare to call myself a Londoner because it has only been six months but I have always been in love with London because when you are seeing the world through the lens of musical theatre as I do, there is no better place!<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2022/10/1/1668417290542.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.80" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"><h4 fr-original-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Yasemin in London</h4><hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">How does the city shape your profession? How do people and the culture of your hometown inspire you?I love how London allows everyone to do their own thing without any judgement. As someone who constantly works in different fields, I find it easier to adapt to London. However, I will always carry my hometown wherever I go because my greatest goal is to tell our stories in a universal manner in one way or another.London is described as a multicultural, multicoloured city, do you see indicators of that on the art scene, especially in performing arts?Yes yes yes! The most truthful thing I have ever heard since I came here is that in London everyone is from somewhere and no one is from anywhere. It is truly as if everyone just blends with their individualities.

Aposto London

Meet Yasemin. She is an actor, scriptwriter and singer living part-time in London and Istanbul. 

Yasemin Bahloul Nirun

<h1 fr-original-style="" style="font-size: 2em; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">ID</h1>My nickname is: I don't have a nickname because the name Berkok (ethnically Circassian name) is too rare. Actually, there are only two other Berkoks I could find, one of whom I've met. Lovely guy. The third one hasn't responded to our group chat request so far. Not very nice of him.I have recently tasted: A sunny day in late October in London, it was sublime.My favorite pub: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://e5crookedbillet.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">The Crooked Billet</a>, both for its spicy eggplant also for the number of different terrace areas they have.Only a true Londoner would know: To buy produce where the stall owner and the haggling buyer are talking a language other than English.A Londoner you must meet: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/jonathandnunn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Jonathan Nunn</a>. Jonathan is the editor of Vittles, my favorite food publication in existence. His takes on the city and its food culture deserve a chef’s kiss. Read his newly published book London Feeds Itself.On a regular Saturday, you can find me in the line: For a sausage roll at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.thedustyknuckle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Dusty Knuckle</a> or a chocolatine at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/allpressespresso/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Allpress.</a><h1 fr-original-style="" style="font-size: 2em; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">SHOOT THE BREEZE</h1>How long have you been a Londoner? What attracted you to live in this city?My flirtation with London started when I came here for an internship while I was studying in the US. I was working on a global iced tea brand’s new flavours and marketing campaign, staying in Shoreditch despite a lengthy commute. Back then Shoreditch seemed infinitely cool and grunge, an illusion I rid myself of after I moved here permanently. Still, years later that experience made it much easier for me to seal the deal with this city. Now it’s London’s rhythm and liveliness keeps me here. Almost like a caffeinated heartbeat.London is described as a multicultural, multi-colourful city, do you see indicators of that in food culture and politics?More than anything. What distinguishes London from other global cities with large diasporas that enrich the food scene is how long the immigrant communities have called this place home. London’s cuisine is hardly British. It’s Punjabi, Gujarati, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Italian, Jamaican, Jewish, Nigerian, Turkish, etc.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2022/9/2/1666054776474.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="1.78" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"><h4 fr-original-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Berkok’s table, an early dinner at Westerns Laundry </h4><hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">What is interesting however is those intercultural cuisines are harder to come by in London than in American cosmopolite metropoles like New York or Los Angeles. Fusion has never been London’s forte, and while I don’t necessarily advocate for curry pizzas becoming the norm in the frozen 'ethnic food' aisle, the lack of personal stories of multiethnic chefs surprises me.Many of the aforementioned communities are present in London as a result of hundreds of years of violent colonial and imperial hegemony. Perhaps, communities and therefore their cuisines hang onto their identity tightly to preserve and delineate their heritage. Perhaps the idea of non-white British food being accepted as legitimate cuisine is still so new that the next stage in cultural output has not started to be entertained. Or perhaps multiethnic people tend not to be chefs.<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2022/9/2/1666055102066.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.96" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"><h4 fr-original-style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">Berkok (left) &amp; neighbours</h4><hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">In London pubs, restaurants, and cafés, what do you complain about the most?&nbsp;Scorching hot tap water in the bathrooms. To this day I do not understand how this widespread issue is accepted as normal.&nbsp;What excites you about London food scenery? What is in vogue at the moment?London is like the Lernean Hydra when it comes to food, a beast with many heads that multiply when you think you’ve got one down. Central London could be delving into boba and Korean aesthetic desserts while the east is in guest chef residency pop-up season. While the west discovers fancy, dancy pubs; the south might be leaning into diaspora pub menus.I would not say this is what is trending but more than in any other city I see chefs collaborating on events with restaurants acting as a stage. Just last night I tried Chick n Sour’s new fried chicken sandwich made in collaboration with <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.orenlondon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">OREN</a>, Shacklewell’s dimly lit Israeli restaurant. Did I love it? No. The zaatar was too heavy paired with the thick and fatty crust of the thigh, something acidic and brighter was absent. But I did love the fact that I could see what two great joints made together. If New York has Fred Again playing Miley Cyrus from a food truck, we have high-end Middle Eastern fried chicken, a Balkan decadent börek lady taking over the best gastropub north of the river, and a first gen young Turkish chef shaking the pans at Jeremy Lee’s Quo Vadis.

We wanted to introduce you to Berkok, food and culture writer, originally from Istanbul, nowadays residing, cooking, munching, tasting, banqueting, dining, and regaling in London. He is going to lead the way to central London which could delve into boba and Korean aesthetic desserts or to the east where chef residency pop-up seasons are in vogue at the moment.

Berkok Yüksel

<h1 fr-original-style="" style="font-size: 2em; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">ID</h1>My nickname is: ӏэпхъощ pronounced 'ah - shmoog' in my mother tongue Circassian. It means clumsy – a well-deserved nickname growing up!I have recently danced at:&nbsp;Flow Festival in Helsinki.After living decades in London, I just discovered: This historical pub called the Lord Morpeth that’s been around since 1848. I must have been living on the moon! It’s my spot now and I love the fact that it used to be where suffragettes gathered for secret meetings. They have a mural of Sylvia Pankhurst (and gluten-free beer on tap and gluten-free pizzas which is a big plus.)I live in: East London. But I am from Brighton in my heart, I have so many fond memories and there’s something about living by the sea, walking everywhere, and being part of a community.My favourite hangout: The silent room at Shoreditch House. Not cool I know but I love to sit on comfy sofas and work by the open fire in the winter in (relative) peace and quiet. I also spend quite a lot of time at the British Library, just reading and researching in peace.Only a true Londoner would know:&nbsp;The safest cycling routes. Cycling can be a minefield in this city!A Londoner you must meet: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/rgokay/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Rafi Gökay</a> because he knows the quirkiest and best-hidden spots in London. His refusal to bow to the weather is commendable and his enthusiasm for this city is infectious.My favourite radio: Resonance Extra and NTS.<h1 fr-original-style="" style="font-size: 2em; margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">SHOOT THE BREEZE</h1>How long have you been a Londoner? What attracted you to live in this city?I’ve lived in London for a decade now. The unparalleled music scene was the biggest pull.<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2022/9/1/1665391208143.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.75" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">Sine at Shoreditch<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;">This city is known for its brimming cultural heritage in music, do you believe it’s still relevant in today’s London?Yes, despite the Tory government’s best efforts to axe it, the music industry is still surviving and contributing billions to the UK economy - £5.8 billion to be exact in 2019 before the pandemic. Unfortunately, it’s not as much now but still a considerable amount. London’s musical heritage is still one of the biggest attractions for cultural tourism and one of the pillars of what makes this city so special.No matter contemporary classical, avant-ambient, or electronic, music has power. Do you think it’s unifying or dissociative?A great question, and I think the answer is both. Music unites like-minded people for sure, remember that moment when you discovered you were into the same obscure artist with someone else and how much closer you felt to them. Or when you kept running into the same people at small shows and they became your friends ‘from the scene’ eventually. But it can also be divisive, in the sense that music taste can be a decisive factor in picking your closest circle while distancing yourself from fans of certain genres. It may sound a bit shallow, but it is the truth and I know of many people who share my sentiment.Compared to other metropoles, do you consider London’s night scene to be alive?I wouldn’t say it’s dead, but I think it could be much more alive. There are lots of options to choose from but usually, most gigs would finish at around 10-10.30 pm on weekdays and Sundays. You’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere open to eat or to hang out or dance after. I distinctly remembered in 2013, I had Greek journalist friends visiting London for the Euroleague F4. After the final game on Sunday, they wanted me to take them somewhere to have some food and listen to some music. I dragged people around to various venues in Shoreditch with the hope of finding a venue that was open and after turning away from many locked doors, we ended up in a casino in Soho. Not great!There is a myth going around about London day raves. Is it a part of the city's culture?I believe it’s been on the rise in the past couple of years, particularly with the opening of Printworks and I’d say it is now a part of the culture. I certainly hope it stays popular, as it’s a much easier way of raving for oldies like me! There are rumours about Printworks being closed soon due to Southwark Council’s decision to “re-generate” the area, which is a real shame, even though it was not the best venue for fans of a decent sound system.What do you complain about the most?Zombies! If you are trying to enjoy the music scene sober, you really will end up being utterly annoyed at all the people that keep walking into you as if you’re invisible. I often feel like I’m in a scene from the Walking Dead when I’m out.Do you have a favourite record shop? What makes this place unique?It is quite well-known, but I’d say Rough Trade East as it was my local and I have a bit of an emotional connection to the place. It’s quite a big space so you don’t feel like you’re crammed, and they have really good in-store events as well. A decade ago, when I first moved to London, I was randomly shopping for records when this band just came onstage. They turned out to be Halls and I was instantly blown away. We were just a handful of people inside and I was watching one of the best gigs of the year purely due to serendipity. I love how RT East used to do things like that. I also like its location as you can make a day out of visiting here – I usually head to Nude Coffee first to start my day, then visit here and just spend a long while going through their record and book selections, then head to the Big Chill next door for a cheeky pint. I have to say I also love Phonica very much because they have the best and the most extensive electronic and dance music selection.

Sine Büyüka AKA Sinemis is a Circassian-Turkish electronica producer from Istanbul. We caught her in London, before the release of her album Dua on 4 November.

SİNE BÜYÜKA

Either in front or behind the camera, night or day, at sundown or sunrise, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.instagram.com/emreonar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Emre</a> is moving and discovering. We follow him to coastal towns we have never been before, to islands unknown, to cities with hidden secrets.<h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">ID</h2>My nickname: Londra muhtarı AKA 'Mayor of London' among friendsI have recently walked from: Exmouth Market to Victoria ParkAfter living decades in London, I have just discovered that you cannot finish discovering London.I live in: ShoreditchI am from (in my heart): BurgazadaMy favourite hangout: Café Route &amp; Towpath by the canal, near De Beauvoir Town as I love being by the water.A Londoner you must meet is:&nbsp;My pastry chef friend <a fr-original-style="" href="https://instagram.com/esrafinallybakes" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">Esra</a> (Koraltan) because she knows the best bakery spots in the city.Only a true Londoner would have their favourite park (Regents Park), bus route (55) and tube line (Circle Line as it has AC and good internet connection during most of its route).<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2022/8/6/1662791737916.jpeg" style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" width="550" ratio="0.80" fr-original-style="display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">Emre at one of his favourite hangouts, Campania by Columbia Road Flower Market<hr fr-original-style="" style="height: 0px; overflow: visible; border-bottom: none; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; box-sizing: border-box;"><h2 fr-original-style="" style="margin: 0px; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85); font-weight: 500; padding: 0px; box-sizing: border-box;">SHOOT THE&nbsp;BREEZE</h2>How long have you been a Londoner? What made you move to this city?Most people are shocked to hear this, but I didn’t particularly like London before I moved here. It wasn’t my dream city, job opportunities brought me here. Flash forward to today - it’s been almost 6 years and I love every second of it. It started to feel like a second hometown in recent years. It grows on you with time.What characterizes London, what makes it unique?Being the most diverse and international city in the world. I’m still shocked by how many people with different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds live in this city side by side. And obviously the hustle and bustle, never ending energy of the city &amp; its people.London is described as a cosmopolitan city, do you see indicators of that on a daily basis?I see that every day and I love it. I am fan of small talk. I randomly chat with people in coffee shops, Uber drivers etc. I have met so many random people from countries that I wouldn’t even have thought of. It feels energizing to meet so many new cultures and connect with people from different backgrounds. I also love to try out diverse food and restaurants. You can try authentic food from so many cuisines here at a street food market or in a fancy restaurant. I recently found out that you can try more than 60 different cuisines in London - that’s quite a high number, right?As a metropole, do you think it is habitable?As with every large city, London also feels a bit toxic time to time, especially when you’re stuck in the 9-5 routine. The morning rush hour, packed tube stations, people running around. Heavy gentrification is happening in most central neighbourhoods around Zone 1-3, and I am not a fan of construction sites, similar cafes popping out everywhere, as these are constant reminders of a tiring metropole. However, that doesn’t sum up London. London also has so many pockets where you feel like you’ve just transported to the countryside or some quaint little town in a few seconds. You can take a left from a busy street and enter the most peaceful hood or go to a park where you can feel like you’re taking a stroll in the countryside.&nbsp;What do you complain about the most?The weather of course! London is rather 'seasonless' compared to what I’m used to from Istanbul. After a while, you just lose the perception of seasons as it mostly blends into one.

Shoreditch ile ilgili hikayeler