Home   News   Article

Firat: Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex reality TV personalities visit Stortford's new 'Instagrammable' venue

12:47, 01 February 2023

updated: 12:48, 01 February 2023

Reality TV personalities past and present mingled with the mayor and business owners at the opening of Bishop's Stortford's latest eatery.

Firat in South Street, which is decked from floor to ceiling in pink flowers, was originally billed as the town's first 'dessert lounge', but a change of direction has seen it open for breakfast and dinner and it is now more of a bistro-cum-cocktail bar of an evening.

It is owned by, and named after, Firat Dogan, 28, who used to run barber's Crazy Razor across the road.

Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – VIP opening. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – VIP opening. Pic: Vikki Lince

And it certainly impressed his guests, who included Made in Chelsea veteran James Taylor, who now lives in Windhill in Stortford, former TOWIE duo James Hardwidge, who also lives in Stortford, and Danielle Armstrong, along with Bishop's Stortford mayor Cllr Dave Anderson and owners of other businesses.

"What started out as wanting somewhere to go for desserts has changed after we had two chefs let us down. But we adapted and now have an à la carte menu and are also open for breakfast," said Firat.

"And although January wasn't the best time to open, it's picking up nicely now."

Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – VIP opening. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – VIP opening. Pic: Vikki Lince

Firat, who hails from Turkey, said that the decor was designed in his home country to suit the sweet dessert style and made it a "very Instagrammable" venue.

His guests enjoyed champagne and canapés before being served a selection of traditional Turkish dishes. "They absolutely loved it and couldn't praise it enough," he added.

The mayor said: "We seem to be becoming a vibrant epicentre for eateries. It was a very nice venue, with lovely food and staff – and as I have no hair, I'm better off in a restaurant than a Turkish barber's!"

Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – VIP opening. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – VIP opening. Pic: Vikki Lince
James Hardwidge and owner Firat Dogan. Pic: Vikki Lince
James Hardwidge and owner Firat Dogan. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford. Pic: Vikki Lince
Bradley from Ruby Rooms and friends. Pic: Vikki Lince
Bradley from Ruby Rooms and friends. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – former The Only Way is Essex duo James Hardwidge, left, and Danielle Armstrong, right. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – former The Only Way is Essex duo James Hardwidge, left, and Danielle Armstrong, right. Pic: Vikki Lince
Elements Hair and Urban Spa owners Perry and Jackie Colman with their son Oliver, who owns South Street Pantry. Pic: Vikki Lince
Elements Hair and Urban Spa owners Perry and Jackie Colman with their son Oliver, who owns South Street Pantry. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – Bishop's Stortford Town Council mayor's assistant and the chief executive's PA Sim Richardson with husband Simon. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford – Bishop's Stortford Town Council mayor's assistant and the chief executive's PA Sim Richardson with husband Simon. Pic: Vikki Lince
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford. 'VIP' opening for local business owners and the odd Towie star. .Pic: Vikki Lince. (62030330)
Firat, South Street, Bishop's Stortford. 'VIP' opening for local business owners and the odd Towie star. .Pic: Vikki Lince. (62030330)

* Have you got photos from an event you'd like to see featured in the Indie? Email newsdesk@bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More