What inspired you to develop the House Hotel concepts?
My partners and I identified a gap in the market for boutique hotels in Istanbul. We wanted to break the mould and formality of standard 4 and 5 star hotels that had already flooded the Istanbul market. Prior to the hotels we formed a unique restaurant brand, The House Café, with a friendly yet stylish ethos that we wanted to replicate in the boutique hotel market.

What is the most important current trend in cuisine in Istanbul?

I must say that I am happy Turkish cuisine has changed beyond doner kebaps and Turkish delight. There is a new generation of chefs in Turkey following global trends. Today they focus on seasonal fresh ingredients and are not afraid of being experimental. Turkish cuisine is more dynamic now and has a twist of modernity with traditional local taste and incredible Anatolian flavour.

How is your new restaurant NOPA doing?
It is doing very well! In a very short period of time it became one of the most vibrant hang outs in the city! I am very glad that we created this concept which brings a dynamic, fresh concept and kitchen into the food and beverage sector in Istanbul.

What do you have in store for the future? Any new projects?
Our new hotel ''The House Hotel Cappadocia'' will open very soon. I am very happy and proud that we can expand our investments and experience out of Istanbul especially to a such a unique and historical place in Turkey.
Again in the accommodation sector we recently enter a new brand under the House umbrella called The House Residence which will open its doors in May, 2016.
In the restaurant sector we recently opened our first international location in Baku where we opened a House Cafe. We will continue to expand The House Cafe chain in European countries.

What do you think the young traveller is looking for in terms of hotels and restaurants?

Young travellers are creative, free spirited and embrace adventure. They are savvy travellers that search for affordable luxury and prefer to learn the local culture and experience local cuisine, design trends and art. Therefore authenticity and value is key to the young traveller.