Named after the Italian word for 'key,' Chiave is unlocking the door to London's best night out yet.
When Selin Duren and Cem Ozden decided to open a bar, they wanted to create their ideal hangout spot. Having both been regulars on the London music/ European nightlife scene for some time, they certainly had the inside track. The end result of their joint effort is Chiave, a hedonistic destination of drinks, music and art.
Spread across two floors, a moodily-lit bar area can be found on ground-level. Sit at the table by the window for an unbeatable view of the street outside, watching the best of Redchurch's bustling neighbourhood pass by. Downstairs houses a basement DJ and dance space with a bespoke sound system flown in from Copenhagen. Genres range from house and minimal techno to electro funk and hip hop, alternating secret ticketed gigs with open houses where everyone is welcome.
The drinks menu is wonderfully unique, with original twists on cult classics and entirely new concoctions, too. Standouts include the Capybara, made with Tanqueray no.10, palo santo, rose sakura and Jasmine Verte. The Limbo is perfectly punchy, while the Street Spirit offers a sweeter touch. And, despite the caffeine content, the alla turca jazz espresso martini makes for a surprisingly good nightcap. A curated selection of wine and quintessential bar bites can also be enjoyed.
Below, our full conversation with Selin and Cem.
Where did the inspiration for Chiave come from? What inspired the concept?
Chive means "key" in Italian. We lived in Milan for eight years, and Selin attended an Italian high school, so choosing an Italian name felt natural. It symbolizes a safe place, a home where like-minded individuals can gather, and a sense of family is cultivated. The concept has always been within us; we both worked in the music industry in our twenties, holding various positions. From day one, we've dreamed of having our own place. Throughout our time in Milan and London, we've enjoyed inviting friends over and connecting people.
Who is Chiave for? Who do you envision your guests as being?
Chiave is for the people that want to just enjoy the basic pleasures in life in the highest quality, we try to keep it simple in everything we do, however also don’t forget to pay attention to the smallest details in every aspect. The music and cocktails are crafted with intention and love.
Music is a big part of the venue - why was this important to you?
Music has always been an essential part of our lives, as we both come from families with a deep passion for it. Selin grew up surrounded by music, with various genres playing in her home, and her father is an accomplished jazz musician. She also inherited a love for music, playing drums in her spare time. Cem's father is an avid music collector, ensuring that music was a constant presence in his upbringing. Cem's passion for music developed at a young age, leading him to learn how to dj at 15. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to play around the world with the artists that inspired his musical path and help him find his own musical identity. Consequently, music holds significant importance at Chiave.
How do you go about choosing musical talent to perform?
It is a combination of many things , if we tried to put it in simple words it would be how their energy and music flows with our vision and vibe at Chiave. We pay attention to their track selection, mixing technique, storytelling and the type of people they attract.
The drinks are the big stars here, how did you map out and create the cocktail menu?
Our Bar Manager and mixologist, Bilal Tekec, is an exceptional talent with seven years of industry experience. Bilal's innovative vision and enthusiasm for exploring new ideas have enabled us to create a truly unique cocktail menu.
His dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and uncovering unique ingredients ensures an ever-evolving experience for our guests. As a leader, Bilal is committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with our team, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.Together with Bilal and our bar team we've developed a cocktail menu that balances innovation and tradition. While our Turkish heritage has inspired some of the drinks, Bilal's modern mixology skills shine through in each creation, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for our guests.
What's your favourite drink from the lineup?
Cem’s go to is Street Spirit and Selin’s is Electric Lullaby and the newly added Bloody Mary twist; Killer Queen.
What does your perfect Saturday night in London look like?
Since opening Chiave, our Saturday nights have taken on a new dimension. Pre-Chiave, we'd typically enjoy a delicious dinner with friends, hop between one or two cocktail bars, and listen to our favorite artists perform—a perk of living in lively London! Alternatively, we'd invite friends over for drinks, play records, and make our home a lively hub.
Nowadays, our Saturdays revolve around Chiave, where we welcome guests, catch up with friends, and host artists. Although our Saturday nights have shifted, they still retain the essence of fun and social connection we've always cherished. And after closing the bar, we still love to attend events in the city. In a sense, our Saturday nights feel like an evolution of our past rituals, with Chiave serving as our new home and the heart of our weekend festivities.
Chiave
Address: 36 Redchurch St, London E2 7DP
Reservations: https://www.chiaveshoreditch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiave.shoreditch
