Ferhat Dirik, Mangal II

Mangal II stands as a shining beacon of success within the growing London food scene. This restaurant is an iconic mixture of traditional and modern both in terms of its Turkish-inspired cuisine and its service. Mangal II was passed down to the current owner Ferhat Dirik, by his father and was originally quite a different concept. Ferhat doesn’t shy away from the details and decision-making which led him and his brother, Sertac to establish Mangal II as your East London night out highlight. Despite their continually expanding awards and praise in the media, no reward comes without hardship. Family businesses can be wonderfully fulfilling. However, when the tensions are high and the pressure of expectations and progress is ever-present. What is it like having family members as your colleagues? Does a Turkish restaurant have to necessarily be authentic to be classed as one? What even is the definition of an authentic restaurant in this city? Join me for another episode featuring my co-host Zac, co-owner of Rogues to discover the absolute pleasure of Mangal II’s success whilst understanding how making an idea become reality takes some serious balls. I’m Stella and I’m gonna take you out for dinner. Mentions: Ferhat Dirik https://www.instagram.com/ffferhatdirik/ Mangal I, Dalston https://www.instagram.com/mangal_ocakbasi/?hl=en Mangal II, Dalston https://www.mangal2.com Rogues, Hackney https://rogueslondon.uk Rogue Sarnies, Hackney https://www.roguesarnies.uk Alibi, Dalston https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjB1IPFjNGEAxWqQkEAHS_pCQ8QFnoECAUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthealibilondon.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw2XhKmGdaEql7-OwYxeY59M&opi=89978449 Dalston Superstore https://dalstonsuperstore.com Nest, Dalston https://www.nestfood.co.uk Sertac Dirik, former head chef of Mangal II and brother of Ferhat https://www.instagram.com/sertacdirik/ Ridley Market, Dalston https://hackney.gov.uk/ridley-road-market 01 Adana, Newington Green https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/reviews/01-adana Jackson Boxer https://www.instagram.com/jackson_boxer/?hl=en Action Bronson https://www.instagram.com/bambambaklava/?hl=en 108, Copenhagen https://www.instagram.com/108cph/ Slurp, Copenhagen https://www.slurpramen.dk René Redzepi https://www.instagram.com/reneredzepinoma/?hl=en Amass, Copenhagen (closed) https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Denmark/Copenhagen/Amass.html Gilbert and George https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/gilbert-george-1163 Allegra, Stratford https://www.allegra-restaurant.com Planque, Haggerston https://planque.co.uk Perilla, Stoke Newington https://www.perilladining.co.uk Morchella, Exmouth Market https://www.morchelladining.co.uk Partisan, South Bermondsey https://www.partizanbrewing.co.uk Pillars, Walthamstow https://www.pillarsbrewery.com Army and Navy, Stoke Newington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_and_Navy,_Stoke_Newington Picturehouse Cinemas, various locations https://www.picturehouses.com MUBI https://mubi.com/en/gb The Modest Merchant https://themodestmerchant.com Stella Artois https://www.stellaartois.com Guinness https://www.guinness.com/en-gb - Nicky D’Arcy https://www.instagram.com/nicoladarcyfilm?igsh=MXhmb2lza2lxeTJyMQ==