Nevin in the Spotlight

Today we’re meeting Nevin, who is one of the partners at the Hayat Cafe and Bar in Gümüşlük. This funky and colourful restaurant space was opened in 2013 and has already established itself as a local favourite.

I stumbled across the Hayat while I was researching restaurants for my Gümüşlük guide, and this location is right up my alley. It’s in a picturesque setting just a walk from Gümüşlük Beach, and is the kind of place you’ll visit once, and keep coming back to.

What made you decide to open a restaurant?

It was my sister Nermin’s idea. She lived in Paris and ran a café there for more than twenty years. When she decided to come back to Turkey, she wanted to open a café-bar here as well. We started looking for a place and in the spring of 2013 we found this old, beautiful stone house situated next to the mandarin trees. We said “this was it” and rented the place the next day.

How did you choose Gümüşlük as the location to open your restaurant?

We had been visiting Gümüşlük for more than 20 years now. We loved it so much that my sister decided to move here three years ago. Gümüşlük has become her home and I keep on spending my summer holidays here. It had to be here, there was no other option.

What do you like about Gümüşlük?

Gümüşlük is one of the last remaining places that is still untouched on the Bodrum peninsula. One can enjoy the nature and the quiet atmosphere here. We especially like the off-season months when all nature gets green and the mandarin trees start blooming. The smell in the air is just beautiful.

You opened it in 2013, what are some memories from your first year?

The first years are always difficult for new businesses. It takes time to get known and have regular customers. Besides, due to political developments in Turkey, the tourism season in 2013 started late. So we had to go through some difficulties during the first couple of weeks but then we slowly found our path and people started to hear about Hayat, came here and spread the news.

Your restaurant is very colourful, who’s the artist?

Me and my sister did all the decoration and the paintings. We had this idea of creating a colorful place from the very beginning as we believe that colors give a good vibe. We bought almost all the furniture from  second hand shops and painted them.

What kind of ambiance are you trying to create at the Hayat?

We want to create a comfortable place for people who are tired of big crowds and are looking for a quiet, peacefull spot to read, surf on the internet, enjoy the nature, have great coffee, pastries and sandwiches during the day and some delicious, healthy food in the evening.

What makes your restaurant special?

The decoration: Inspiring colors which give you a good feeling that will make your day, big couches and cushions to enjoy the sun and chill out on and best instagram angles.

The location: Quiet atmosphere, nice view on the orchard and the sea, tables outside under the trees, three minutes to the beach on foot. A nice veranda to hang out on a lazy afternoon.  Fire places for the winter days.

The food: Big Turkish breakfast in the morning, pastas and salads with special sauces, pizza days, several options for vegetarians, delicious homemade bread and pastry.

The drinks: The best coffee in town (from cappuccino to espresso, all different options), fresh fruit juices, special cocktails and good wine.

And, on top of that, you can get all of the above at modest prices.

You hosted events at the Hayat in 2013, do you have plans for 2014?

We had pilates and yoga classes twice a week. We organized second-hand markets and open-air cinema nights. We are open during the winter and still have the movie screenings every Friday. And yes, we plan to have more events this year. We believe open-air movie screenings will attract a lot of attention. It is such a pleasant feeling to see a film under the stars.

Thanks for chatting with us today Nevin, and I’m sure your second season, will be even more successful than your first.

Additional Photo’s

Open Invitation

So next time you’re in Gümüşlük, why not venture away from the beach and harbour, and discover this colourful haven just off the beaten path. There will be a warm welcome waiting for you as well as a delicious selection of food and drink.

 

 

Address:  Turgutreis Caddesi No: 47, 48970 Gümüşlük

Telephone:  +90 252 394 4150

Website page for the Hayat Cafe and Bar

Facebook page for the Hayat Cafe and Bar  

Open Year Round