English Pubs and Gastropubs in Istanbul: What to Expect and Where to Find Them

For British expats, visiting fans and anyone who misses the feel of a proper pub, Istanbul can be a surprise. The city has a long tradition of meyhanes, Turkish taverns built around meze and conversation, but fewer pubs in the British sense. They do exist, though, and a growing number of gastropubs are bringing pub culture together with good food. This guide explains what to expect and where to look.

Where to find pubs in Istanbul

How Istanbul pubs differ from home

• Table service: in most Istanbul venues you sit down and order from a server rather than queuing at the bar.
• Food is central: Turkish dining culture means most pubs have a full kitchen, and many people come for dinner.
• Later hours: evenings start later and run longer; dinner from 20:00 is normal.
• No smoking indoors: smoking is banned inside, so outdoor areas are popular.
• Drinks promotions are restricted: Turkish law limits the advertising and promotion of alcohol, so you will not see the offers common in UK pubs. Check the menu directly.
• Sport: Turkish football usually takes priority on screens; ask in advance about foreign leagues.

What is a gastropub?

The gastropub was born in London in the early 1990s, when some publicans brought in chefs and started serving seasonal, restaurant-quality food without losing the relaxed atmosphere of the pub. Today the term covers any pub where the kitchen is as important as the bar. In Istanbul, where food is at the heart of any night out, the gastropub format fits naturally. Read more in our Turkish-language guide, Gastro Pub Nedir?

Le Lion: a British-inspired gastropub in Tuzla

Le Lion at Tuzla Port describes its concept as bringing together the warmth of English pub culture with the careful presentation of a modern brasserie. Its name and its lion emblem nod to British tradition, while the menu blends pub classics with Turkish and international dishes:

Prices are taken from the online menu as of October 2026 and may change.

• Sport: screens indoors and outdoors.
• Music and comedy: live music on Fridays and Saturdays; stand-up (in Turkish) on Thursdays.
• Space: around 200–250 guests, a garden and private areas.
• Hours: daily 10:00–02:00.

Pub etiquette, Istanbul style

• Wait to be seated or ask a server for a table, rather than heading straight to the bar.
• Sharing plates are the norm; order a few for the table.
• Tipping around 5–10% is customary if service is not included.
• On big match nights and music nights, booking ahead is wise.
• Be mindful during live performances and comedy sets, when conversations near the stage should be kept low.

The meyhane: Istanbul's own tavern tradition

No guide to going out in Istanbul is complete without the meyhane. These Turkish taverns serve a parade of cold and hot meze over a long evening, often with live fasıl music. If you are exploring Istanbul's social culture, try both: the meyhane for a classic Turkish night, and a gastropub for something closer to home with a local twist.

Getting to Tuzla Port

From central Istanbul or Kadıköy, take Marmaray east to Tuzla station, then a short taxi or bus ride. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport it is usually 20–30 minutes by car. Drivers can use the underground car park at Tuzla Port or İSPARK at the front. Address: Postane Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Tuzla Port No:5 D:1B, Tuzla, İstanbul. See the contact page for a map.

A pub for every occasion

In Britain, the pub is where you go for almost everything: a quiet drink after work, Sunday lunch with family, the big match, a quiz night or a birthday. Istanbul's gastropubs try to keep that versatility. A venue open from morning until late, with space for groups, screens for sport and a regular music programme, can serve a business lunch, a family dinner and a Friday night out all on the same day. That flexibility is why the format has caught on in districts such as Tuzla, where residents want a reliable local all-rounder.

Tips for British and Irish expats

• Join expat groups online to find screenings of home-nation rugby and football.
• For big British sporting events, message venues in advance to check they can show them.
• If you are hosting friends from home, a gastropub is an easy first night out that blends the familiar with Turkish dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there English pubs in Istanbul?

Yes. Most are in Beyoğlu on the European side and Kadıköy on the Asian side. Le Lion in Tuzla is a British-inspired gastropub on the far Asian side.

Do Istanbul pubs serve food?

Most do. Food is central to Turkish dining culture, and gastropubs such as Le Lion have full kitchens.

Can I watch Premier League football in an Istanbul pub?

Many venues show it, but Turkish football often takes priority. Ask in advance whether your match will be shown.

What's the difference between a pub and a meyhane?

A pub is a British-style social venue; a meyhane is a Turkish tavern centred on meze and long dinners, often with live traditional music.

Is smoking allowed inside pubs in Istanbul?

No. Smoking is banned indoors in restaurants and bars in Türkiye; outdoor areas are where smokers sit.

Related Reading

• Where to watch football on the Asian side
• Tuzla nightlife guide
• İngiliz pub kültürü rehberi (TR)