A restaurant served 800 customers on its opening weekend as it brought a slice of authentic Turkish cuisine to Bolton. Mevlana opened on Horsfield Street in Deane only a matter of weeks ago - and is already welcoming people as far a field as Winchester - building on Bolton's growing reputation as a food and drink destination. The Turkish restaurant and coffee house is run by business partners Halil Orhanli and Hamid Jiva who have been friends for over a decade.
(Image: Leah Collins) Mr Jiva said: “Me and Halil met over a decade ago through work, Halil has over 20 years restaurant experience, so we pooled together our skills to start something new as I’ve always wanted to work in the restaurant industry. "I’ve had a keen interest in food, I knew what I could bring to Bolton . “We wanted to bring something authentic to Bolton and offer a space for families and guests to sit down, relax and enjoy authentic cuisine without having to travel to Manchester.
" The interior took nine months to remodel with the design being inspired by traditional Turkish coffee houses. Mr Jiva said: “We wanted to create a space that was unique and sets us apart from other restaurants and cafes to provide a pleasant ambience for guests. The restaurant is decorated with quotes from the thirteenth-century poet, Rumi Mevlana, which inspired its name.
(Image: Leah Collins) Mr Jiva said:“We also have a prayer room upstairs to cater to guests needs. “As someone born and raised in Bolton, I wante.