The places to visit when in Turkey’s most populous city, according to Soho House’s Mr Chris Glass.

Born in Atlanta, but now based in Berlin, Style Council member Mr Chris Glass spends much of his time hotfooting it around the continent thanks to his enviable role as European membership director of the Soho House Group. Istanbul, however holds a special place in his heart. “I love the people,” he says. “Turks are fiercely loyal and have a zest for life that’s contagious… There’s also something about the Bosphorus that is inspiring. No matter what angle you see it from, it takes your breath away.” Of course, Mr Glass has a particularly good reason to return there often – Soho House opened its rather wonderful Istanbul outpost in 2015. In any case, over the course of many visits, he’s clearly developed a deep understanding of the city and its many hangouts. Given that, this week marks the start of Contemporary Istanbul International Art Fair, we thought we’d ask him to share some of his Istanbul tips – scroll down, and take note.

“Cuma soothes the soul with the best breakfast in town,” says Mr Glass. “Whether you’re nursing a hangover or gearing up for a day of shopping, nothing beats a classic Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı). Try Cuma’s take on the traditional and help yourself to a Turkish tea (instead of coffee), simit (sesame crusted bread ring), white cheese, olives, butter, honey, jam, and spicy sausage with eggs (sucuklu yumurta), sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.”

“They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This couldn’t be more the case at A La Turca where you’ll find everything from vintage kilims to historical busts. I never tire of the owner’s stories or his unique finds.”

“The Istanbul outpost of the modern classic Italian Cecconi’s is a nod to the chain’s heritage peppered with local influences. Take a chance and pair classic Italian dishes with local Turkish wines as you lounge in the garden of Soho House Istanbul’s stunning 19th-century Palazzo.”

**  Visit Cecconi’s Istanbul on the Style Council**

“Treat yourself to a traditional hamam experience at Kilic Ali Pasa or a more contemporary version at Cowshed. The traditional wash and scrub is a welcome respite from the city’s hectic pace and a moment to cleanse body and mind.”

“This is one of those places you really want to keep to yourself, but it’s too good not to share. Yeni Lokanta is a nod to tradition with a timely twist and like many places in Istanbul, it’s hidden in a small side street. Once you get inside, start with the delicious homemade sourdough bread with smoked butter and the delectable cocktails then treat yourself to the tasting menu for a journey through Anatolia. If you catch chef and owner Civan Er front of house, give him a high five.”

“Just a stone’s throw from Taksim Square and across from the historic Pera Palace is chef Mehmet Gürs’ Mikla. The crown jewel of the restaurant is the rooftop bar. Aside from a stunning view of the bohemian district below, the historical centre and beyond, the team serves up delicious cocktails based on local ingredients including pomegranate and satsuma.”

**Visit Mikla on the Style Council **

“Take at least an hour and explore the Bosphorus. Ideally in the early morning before the world wakes, the strait is one of the true gems of the city. Meander down to the Bebek neighbourhood and seduce an off-duty fisherman to take you out in his boat for a quick run, dropping you off closer to the historical centre and the Golden Horn.”