Naya, a luxury Mayfair patisserie, blends Turkish chocolate heritage with British design for an indulgent, artfully curated culinary experience.
Spring 2025 will mark the debut of Naya, an opulent new patisserie bringing a rich, cross-cultural heritage of chocolate-making and culinary artistry to North Audley Street in Mayfair.
More than just a dessert destination, Naya is poised to become a sanctuary for flavour, design, and memory, curated with impeccable detail and international flair.
This inspired concept is the brainchild of brothers Can and Cengizhan Ayan, scions of a renowned Turkish confectionery dynasty that dates back to 1957. Their family’s legendary chocolate house, Pelit, has long been a beloved institution in Istanbul, and now, with Naya, the brothers honour that legacy while reinventing it through a British lens,elevating patisserie traditions with modern elegance in one of the world’s most fashionable capitals.
A Story Woven in Design and Emotion
The name “Naya” is as layered as the patisserie itself. A palindrome of the Ayan family surname and a word that translates to “fresh” in several languages, it symbolises both renewal and reverence. This duality,old and new, East and West,is the heartbeat of Naya’s philosophy.
To bring the brand’s vision to life, the Ayan brothers partnered with India Hicks, the renowned British creative director with an illustrious design lineage, and Anna Goulandris, an interior designer celebrated for her refined sense of spatial storytelling. Together, they’ve crafted a space that feels less like a café and more like a secret salon: rich in character, quiet luxury, and narrative depth.
“Naya is a project I am incredibly proud to be a part of,” says Hicks. “We have designed a space that brings together the essence of British opulence and international flair for the discerning and well-travelled guests, and the friends and family who will come through these doors. We spent time considering every last detail, from hidden words hand printed onto the wallpaper and cool playlists created by DJs from around the world.”
An Immersive Atmosphere of Understated Luxury
Upon stepping inside Naya, guests are greeted not just with exquisite aromas and elegant counter displays, but with a holistic sensory experience. The design narrative is layered, intimate, and unmistakably Mayfair. A collaboration with de Gournay, Britain’s revered wallpaper atelier, adds to the patisserie’s poetic charm.
The hand-painted walls,an adaptation of de Gournay’s iconic Salon Vert design,have been bespoke-tailored to Naya, depicting vignettes from the Ayan family’s journey from Istanbul to London.
Soft textures, warm tones, and curated accents,such as a touch of leopard print and a statement central tree,imbue the interior with both drama and domesticity. The result is an immersive environment where every detail contributes to a larger story: one of legacy, hospitality, and refined comfort.
“It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work alongside India and the Ayan brothers on this unique patisserie,” says Goulandris. “Each intricate detail of Naya has been chosen with great thought and passion. It has been a joy to bring to life.”
Heritage on a Plate: The Naya Menu
Naya’s culinary offering mirrors its design: indulgent, inspired, and globally inflected. Every dish is imbued with the essence of memory,of Istanbul cafés, English tea rooms, and continental patisseries,while remaining distinctly Naya.
Signature items include the Chocolate Éclair, executed with a nod to French patisserie precision but layered with family-crafted chocolate ganache; the Creamy Basque Cheesecake, with a caramelised exterior and silky centre; and the Magnolia Pudding, a comforting dish that evokes the nostalgic sweetness of childhood.
For those seeking savoury sophistication, Naya’s Lobster Roll and Bresaola Sandwich offer elevated takes on café classics, ideal for brunching beneath the branches of the striking central tree or enjoying a light lunch with champagne.
Complementing the food menu is a thoughtfully curated beverage list featuring barista-brewed coffees, Matcha Lattes, and premium teas, alongside a handpicked selection of French and Italian wines and celebratory champagnes.
Celebration remains central to Naya’s philosophy, and its bespoke signature cakes,crafted for personal milestones or grand gestures,promise to become a hallmark of life’s sweetest occasions.
From Istanbul to Mayfair: A Legacy Reimagined
Naya is more than a destination,it is an heirloom passed from generation to generation, now reborn for a global audience.
“Our family started in the chocolate business back in 1957, so opening Naya in London felt like a calling for my brother and I,” reflects founder Can Ayan. “We wanted to create an experience that bridges the old and the new, showcasing our rich family traditions, whilst sparking curiosity with modern elements. We are delighted to bring this new concept to London, using the recipes that have been passed down through our family for generations.”
This dedication to authenticity, layered with modern refinement, distinguishes Naya in an increasingly saturated luxury hospitality landscape. The Ayan brothers haven’t simply opened a patisserie,they’ve unveiled a personal archive, an edible memoir translated into chocolate, sugar, and space.
Looking Ahead: From Countertop to Doorstep
While Naya’s North Audley Street flagship will provide an atmospheric retreat for locals and visitors alike, the brand’s vision extends beyond its Mayfair walls. Following its grand opening in March 2025, Naya will launch a dedicated e-commerce platform, offering clientele the opportunity to indulge in its signature sweets from the comfort of home.
This digital extension ensures that Naya’s craftsmanship, storytelling, and sensory pleasures are accessible far beyond London,a seamless blend of tradition and technology, delivered with elegance.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Sweet Sophistication
In a city renowned for its culinary dynamism and design legacy, Naya introduces a fresh yet reverent perspective,one that honours heritage while celebrating innovation. It is a place where family recipes meet contemporary artistry, and where guests are invited not only to taste but to feel: connected, comforted, and utterly indulged.
As London’s luxury scene continues to evolve, Naya stands poised to set a new benchmark in experiential patisserie,a jewel in Mayfair’s crown, born from a love of beauty, flavour, and the finer things in life.
