World Raki Week is back! Yeni Rakı, Türkiye’s iconic anise-flavoured spirit and the world’s top-selling rakı brand, has been a cornerstone of Turkish social life for generations. Often called ‘Lion’s Milk’ for its milky appearance when mixed with water, this unique spirit, crafted from premium grapes and aniseed, carries a history dating back to 2000 B.C. Deeply rooted in Turkish culture and tradition, rakı embodies the joy of togetherness and the art of hospitality. From 29th November to 8th December, Yeni Rakı invites people worldwide to celebrate the second annual World Rakı Week. With events in London and other cities, this global celebration brings cultures together to honour rakı’s rich heritage and its unifying spirit.
The Legacy of Yeni Reki
Yeni Rakı has been a staple of Turkish dining and social traditions since its launch in 1937, embodying a rakı-making heritage spanning over 500 years. Crafted with care, it blends fresh and dried grapes with premium aniseed, undergoing a double distillation process in traditional copper stills. This meticulous method gives Yeni Rakı its smooth, aromatic character, celebrated for its ability to complement Turkish mezze dishes, such as seafood, cheeses, and spicy dips. Known as ‘Lion’s Milk’ for its transformation when mixed with water, Yeni Rakı captures the essence of Anatolian hospitality and shared moments.
More than just a simple drink, Yeni Rakı represents a cultural ritual, uniting people around lively conversations and vibrant meals. Its iconic flavour profile and distinctive traditions—such as slow sipping and pairing with a variety of small plates—have made it a symbol of togetherness in Türkiye and beyond. By balancing respect for its origins with a global appeal, Yeni Rakı continues to be the world’s leading rakı, connecting past and present with each glass
World Raki Week in London
For the second year running, World Rakı Week is bringing the spirit of Türkiye to London, celebrating the joy of socialising and cultural exchange. The week was launched at a grand luncheon hosted by the inimitable Douglas Blyde at LEYDI restaurant showcasing and tasting Yeni Rakı alongside small plates by chef Selin Kiazim, previously of critically-acclaimed Oklava and one of the leading experts in traditional Turkish and Cypriot cuisine.
Running from 29th November to 8th December, this unique event invites Londoners to discover the traditions and flavours of Yeni Rakı. Central to the festivities is The House of Yeni Rakı, a two-floor pop-up in Soho that showcases Türkiye’s beloved anise-flavoured spirit. Located at 58 Greek Street and open daily from 12 pm to 11 pm until 4th December, it offers an immersive experience featuring masterclasses, mezze tastings, creative workshops, and live music. Highlights include specially curated cocktails such as mulled rakı, crafted for the festive season. Early arrivals during the 6-7 pm Rakı Hour might even enjoy a complimentary cocktail.
London’s rakı-lovers can also expect a broader programme of events celebrating the unifying nature of Yeni Rakı. From vibrant pop-up bars to cultural showcases, World Rakı Week highlights the rich traditions of rakı alongside contemporary experiences.
World Raki Week’s Schedule
- 29th November – 4th December: House of Yeni Rakı at 58 Greek Street
- 29th November: House of Yeni Rakı opening night with Istanbul Elsewhere
- 30th November & 2nd December: Yeni Rakı x Sofar Sounds at 58 Greek Street
- 1st December: Illustration Workshops with Jess Cochrane at 58 Greek Street
- 4th December: House of Yeni Rakı Closing Party at 58 Greek Street
- 6th December: The Rabbit x Yeni Rakı Turkish Live Music Pub Night at The Chelsea Gate
- 7th December: World Rakı Week Closing Party at Dükkan
- 11th December: Mezze-Rakı pairing culinary workshop for 7 lucky winners of the prize draw
A Celebration of Turkish Culture
World Rakı Week offers an enticing array of events in London, each celebrating the cultural richness of Türkiye while providing a contemporary twist. Daily Rakı Hours at The House of Yeni Rakı in Soho promise unbeatable deals, with 2-for-1 cocktails every evening from 6 pm to 7 pm. Lunchtime brings its own charm with a mezze box and cocktail deal, combining Türkiye’s culinary traditions with the buzz of London’s dining scene.
On 30th November and 3rd December, The House of Yeni Rakı will host Sofar Sounds, transforming the space into an intimate concert venue. Guests will experience secret musical line-ups that blend Turkish and London vibes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of connection and community. Meanwhile, on 6th December, The Rabbit x Yeni Rakı takes over The Chelsea Gate for a Turkish Live Music Pub Night. Featuring a rakı-based cocktail, Anatolian delicacies like kokoreç crafted by Robin Food, and live music by Icra Heyeti, this event immerses attendees in the sounds and flavours of Türkiye.
The celebrations culminate in a grand finale on 7th December at Dükkan, where traditional Turkish hospitality meets London’s modern dining scene. Guests can savour a seated dinner with inventive mezze dishes paired with Yeni Rakı before the evening transforms into a lively celebration of Turkish and British culture. Finally, on 11th December, food enthusiasts have the chance to win a spot in a culinary workshop led by Meliz Berg at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu. Participants will learn the art of crafting Turkish mezze and pairing it with Yeni Rakı, experiencing the warmth of a traditional rakı table firsthand. With its blend of music, food, and community spirit, World Rakı Week promises to captivate and delight.
Overall
World Rakı Week brings the spirit of Türkiye to life, offering a dynamic blend of tradition, flavour, and cultural celebration. From immersive pop-ups and mezze pairings to intimate concerts and culinary workshops, the event showcases Yeni Rakı’s rich heritage in a vibrant, modern context. Each experience highlights the art of enjoying rakı as more than a drink—it symbolises togetherness and conviviality, connecting communities across borders. Whether sampling inventive cocktails during Rakı Hour, enjoying live music at Sofar Sounds, or experiencing a grand finale dinner at Dükkan, World Rakı Week delivers a unique journey into Turkish culture.
Discover more at World Raki Week
All imagery courtesy of World Raki Week.