Hasan Coffee & Durum has a wonderful atmosphere it’s a delightful cozy little Turkish coffee shop in West Lynn run by the owner Hasan and his friendly staff.
It's been four years now. West Lynn is a good spot for business as well as a great neighbourhood with lovely people around and popping into the cafe all the time.
How unique is Coffee & Durum?
We really wanted to make a business unique. I used to own a restaurant with my friends in Turkey, many years ago. It has traditional Turkish food influence combined with our love. My grandfather ran a very traditional ‘pide’ restaurant in Istanbul where I worked and this gave me the interest in running my own cafe. Dürüm is one of our traditional Turkish foods which is a flat bread roll with different fillings inside. We thought that it would reflect the character of our Café. However our ‘böreks’ are more popular then dürüms now so we should change our name as Coffee & Böreks.
Tell us about your staff?
Yes, we are very lucky to have them. They are beautiful young people. Ruby is our lovely barista and excellent organiser. We wish she could work with us more. Harry is my right hand man working almost every day. Erkam has recently started with us and is learning so quickly. He is the only one originally from Turkey. George is our handsome youngster. He is studying at college last year, and he is very talented. They all are like our own children and we are very proud of them.
What was your childhood like growing up back in Turkey?
I have two brothers and lots of uncles, aunties. We were quite close and a big family. My father was a teacher and we lived in many different cities because of his assignments. In summer time, when school holidays start, we used to go back to our village where our grandparents lived and do a lot of farming work during summer time. Many family members used to get together and work/live together. Everything was so natural and organic at that time. We lost my grandpa last year, he was 101. My wife Derya and I have four children, three boys and a girl.
Who do you think is the most annoying celebrity today?
To me there is no one annoying.
Which TV series would you never miss?
I do not watch TV much, except the news each night.
Where would your dream holiday internationally be?
I worked there for three years in Italy; we would love to go back for a holiday.
What’s on your bucket list?
I do not have a list yet. Every day is so unique for me, I am so grateful to Allah for every moment.
What is your most treasured passion?
Meeting with new people every day and sharing peace.
What would you say is the most kiwi thing about you?
I am very environmentally friendly.
Do you prefer an aisle or window seat on a plane?
Aisle for sure.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am happy where I am.
If they were to make a movie about your life who would you like to play you?
Dwayne Johnson.
Is there anything you dislike about your appearance?
I am so happy with my appearance, i would change nothing.
What is something that you really disapprove of?
Hate speeches of any all kind.
What really motivates you?
Being around kind people.
What do you think happens when we die?
I am a Muslim and we believe after life which is going to be eternal. When we die, we will be judged for our deeds.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
I can honestly say thankfully not yet.
What is your favourite time of the day?
Just before sunrise
Are you a handshake or a hug kind of person?
I’m a hug kind of person.
What is your comfort food?
Borek and baklava, which is like a traditional Turkish pie.
What is your dream guest list for a dinner party?
Everybody is welcomed to our dinner party.
Do you travel light or heavy?
I used to travel a lot, but not after we opened Coffee and Durum. We are open every day come rain or shine.
If you could change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?
I am so glad that the gun law is changing in NZ. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM). #hasancoffeedurum #westlynn #greylynn #turkishcoffee #coffee #auckland #davidhartnell