Artisan Meze Bar

Artisan Meze Bar in the High Street is run by Hasan, who has lived in Eastleigh for 25 years and feels very passionate about the town, so much so that he opened sister restaurant EVI Bakehouse opposite Artisan during lockdowns. Run by his son Oz, EVI serves fresh pizzas made by Italian chef Andrea, fired in the vast Gozney oven.

Artisan’s Turkish and Mediterranean dishes have proved popular since it opened 10 years ago, evolving from Hasan’s first Eastleigh business Guzel Meze Bar. Particular customer favourites include the lamb with yoghurt and the varied tapas options, and it has been nominated by David B, who said: “It’s the perfect place to meet for a coffee or a drink and a chat. Hasan never forgets your name and welcomes you like a long lost friend. It serves superb meals, blending Turkish cuisine with English tastes while providing the perfect atmosphere. Now lockdown is over, we’ll return to our habit of migrating there after our Lions meetings at The Point. We find it encourages good decisions and even better ideas!”

Hasan said: ”I first came to the area because of my wife, and I wanted to set up a business here to give something to my community. People like to come to enjoy our small tapas as it works well for more casual dining too. You can get five or six lovely dishes in one visit.

“I love Eastleigh – it has character – and I care about it; I didn’t come here to do nothing and to offer nothing. I want to make where I live the best it can be. I have settled here and I will finish my life here. It’s in my heart.”