From Istanbul to London: Turkish tea and baklava served on an iconic red bus

A traditional red London bus has been transformed into a mobile Turkish tea room as part of a cultural initiative by historic Turkish confectionery brand Hafiz Mustafa 1864.

The event reimagined the classic British afternoon tea experience by replacing English tea and cakes with Turkish tea, baklava and Turkish delight.

Inside the refurbished double-decker bus, guests were served traditional Turkish refreshments in tulip-shaped glasses and copper serving dishes accompanied by live oud music as they toured the city.

The initiative coincided with the opening of Hafiz Mustafa's branch in Knightsbridge and a 3,500-square-meter production facility in North London.

The company, founded in Istanbul in 1864, is best known for its Ottoman-era desserts and has recently expanded internationally in response to growing interest in Turkish sweets.

Staff onboard the bus wore custom Hafiz Mustafa uniforms, and passengers were taken past major landmarks including Big Ben and Piccadilly Circus.

In addition to tea and pastries, guests were offered rose water and fresh pistachios during the ride.

The event attracted both locals and tourists and was initially intended as a one-time promotional activity. However, the company has indicated that interest from customers may lead to future tours.

Hafiz Mustafa is currently building a 45,000-square-meter factory in Istanbul and preparing to open branches on Oxford Street in London and at Souk Madinat in Dubai.

The company's recipes have been passed down through generations, and its latest expansion marks a continued effort to bring Turkish confectionery to a wider global audience.