A TASTE of authentic Turkish cooking has arrived in Southampton thanks to the opening of Ottoman Kitchen in the High Street.

The Turkish restaurant held its launch event in aid of charity Breast Cancer Haven.

Formerly the Ferryman & Firkin pub, the venue has undergone a three month transformation to create a modern 100-seat restaurant space for diners to enjoy.

Guests were treated to Prosecco on arrival, a delicious three course menu and entertainment from the Backwater Blues Band as well as a belly dancer.

Owned and run by the Fisticksi family, who hail from a small village in Turkey, the menu features authentic family recipes, and dishes are cooked in an open kitchen in front of customers providing plenty of theatre using a traditional charcoal grill. Enjoy Turkish classics such as Grilled Halloumi, Chicken Shish, adana kofte and falafels.

The main focus of the menu is marinated meats cooked over the flames of the charcoal grill giving the food its unique flavour. There are also countless vegetarian options and the Ottoman Kitchen’s own pastry chef prepares ten different cakes from scratch in the Ottoman kitchen every week, from traditional Baklava to favourites such as Chocolate and Honey cake.

The owners promise fresh quality ingredients, tender meats expertly marinaded and grilled over Charcoal, home-baked breads and a warm Turkish welcome.

Breast Cancer Haven are promoting healthy eating as part of a health and wellbeing drive.

The national charity, which offers vital one to one emotional, physical and practical advice and support to anyone affected by breast cancer, has a centre in Titchfield.

Sally Hillyear, Fundraising Manager at Breast Cancer Haven, told the Daily Echo: “We were delighted to be invited to celebrate the official launch and invite special VIP guests and supporters of the charity to sample the delicious and healthy food.

"We are grateful to the Fisticksi family for welcoming us and allowing us to raise vital funds and awareness through a raffle and auction of a Saints shirt generously donated by BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore."

Since opening in 2015, the Wessex centre in Titchfield has supported over 1000 women and 2 men. It costs £1,000 for each individual programme of treatment and their funding comes entirely from community and corporate support.

Pictures by Richard Channon Photography