Turkish Entertainment

Efes II

There's a belly dance show every evening from 9.30pm at this upmarket restaurant. At Efes II traditional belly dance music (fasil) is played on instruments like the kanun zither. The show also includes lively singers.

Ishtar

Set over 2 floors, Ishtar is a stylish lounge bar and restaurant with live music in the ground floor bar area on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30pm. It often features popular singer, Hakan Bilal.

Salamis

Featuring talented London-based Turkish musicians - as well as guest singers flown in from Turkey - Salamis is a buzzy club offering live entertainment from 10pm between Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

Turkish Delight Party at the Play Bar

Every Saturday at the Play Bar, DJ Can and DJ Cahit play Turkish, Arabic and popular Western music at this City-based bar and nightclub, complete with sheesha pipes. There are belly dance floor shows between 7pm and 9pm (£4) and 9pm and 4am (£8).

Theatre

Arcola Theatre

Founded by Mehmet Ergen and housed in a converted textile warehouse, this leading fringe theatre company has put on a number of acclaimed, award-winning and popular productions. The Arcola Theatre also houses a cinema, and runs drama workshops for teenagers and the elderly, plus writing workshops for all. In 2007, the company will launch Arcola Heritage - a project involving the gathering of stories from members of the local community, and developing them into plays through their workshops.

Belly Dancing

Aylin Hansen’s Belly Dance Classes

Istanbul-born Aylin Hansen runs beginners’ Turkish belly dance classes at artsdepot which have proved to be hugely popular. She also runs 2.5 hour group workshops every other month for £25, and offers private tuition from £50 per hour for individuals and groups. Aylin also performs at public events, such as Turkish Fest, part of the Coin Street Festival.

Le Kalon Spa

Go the Le Kalon Spa at The Bentley London - The Waldorf Astoria Collection for an authentic Turkish bath (hamam) experience: combine a stress-relieving therapy treatment (perhaps exfoliation with Turkish black olive soap) with a traditional cleansing ritual. Available by appointment only, and can be booked for exclusive or mixed use. For prices and other details, ask for Davna Patel at Le Kalon Spa.

Or try the Turkish baths at the 1930s Ironmonger Row Baths