Turkish leisure group The Life Co has opened its first UK restaurant as part of its strategy to develop an international chain of organic bistros.

The Saf Restaurant & Bar in Shoreditch, London, is the fifth site in the Saf-branded portfolio and follows three openings in Germany and another in Turkey.

Saf works with internationally renowned names to create its plant-based menus and sources its ingredients from local and organic producers.

New York Mixologist and sommelier, Joe McCanta, has created a range of cocktails for the restaurants from organic, vegan and biodynamic ingredients.

The range includes housemade cordials, infused liqueurs and fresh-pressed mixers in addition to functional juices and rich dairy-free shakes. On the food front, raw food chef, Chad Sarno, uses fresh vegan ingredients to create the menus.

The Life Co’s business is based on bringing wellness to the consumer, and in addition to the Saf Restaurant chain, the company also operates the Bodrum Wellness Centre, the Akatlar Well-Being Centre and the Akatlar Experience Centre in Turkey.

The company plans to open further Experience Centres in Geneva and Stockholm later this year. www.thelifeco.com