LONDON, UK – Streatham Redskins star Dan Marashi unveiled his new Shisha Lounge and Coffee House last night, in a well attended launch night in South London. The event was attended by a number of UK hockey players and fans who turned out to support the popular player in his latest business venture.
It is not uncommon for hockey players to open their own restaurant or sports shop, however the 23 year old has bucked popular trend to open his very own Shisha Lounge complete with flavoured shishas for an authentic Arabian experience.
Neon dreams left to right – Dan Marashi%2C Adam Marashi and Ed Koral
“It’s something I have been seriously thinking about for the last two and a half years” admitted Marashi, who has also played for Slough and Bracknell in his hockey career.
“I have put a fair bit of work into it alongside my other role as a personal trainer, and it suddenly took shape and we are now open for business”
With an Iranian father, it is perhaps not surprising that Marashi has developed a taste for shisha. The shisha pipe is rapidly growing in popularity away from its Middle East origins and is basically a glass based instrument in which the smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water.
Marashi’s offers a number of different flavours including Guava, Watermelon, Wild berries and ‘Marashi’s Mix’ amongst others. Much like KFC with its secret herbs and spices, Marashi’s recipe for the mix remains under wraps; however it is worth pointing out that all flavours are legal.
Despite his Middle East heritage, Marashi admits that the idea did not come from within the family.
“Shisha is typically Middle Eastern, but it was during my time at Kingston University that I came across it” said the Durham born Centre man.
“None of the guys I knew who were smoking, were from the Middle East and they were basically just British students. I have made sure we are using Al Fakher tobacco which is the premium brand and I would like to think we are offering the best quality shisha to our customers”
Marashi on the ice
The open evening saw Marashi joined behind the counter by his brother Adam, who is the goalie for Bracknell Bees in the English Premier League, and also Marashi’s full time employee and Streatham Captain Ed Koral.
Enjoying the free snacks and mint tea, combined with various flavoured shishas were Redskins players Tomas Valko, Lukas Zilak and Casimir Britton along with Slough ENL Jets forward/emergency goalie Lee Hardy and Bracknell players Gareth Wheeler and Tom Avery.
Redskins captain Koral had little time to kick back with his team mates as he donned an apron and made himself busy preparing panini’s and coffee’s for the crowd.
“As soon as I found out Dan was opening the place I wanted to get involved” admitted Koral. “I needed a job; he needed staff so it was a perfect match”
“It has been good to learn how to make the shishas properly in a professional way rather than the DIY way I am used to”
London%27s unlikely hockey hangout
With Koral normally in charge in the locker room, the roles are reversed at work so it has taken some getting used to for both parties.
“Well I made it clear from day one that at work he calls the shots” laughed Koral. “However once we get inside the locker room that changes straight away”
Marashi admits that his new member of staff has plenty to learn, however he does afford Koral some praise.
“I will say one thing about Ed” said Marashi. “He makes an excellent mocha, and I know this because I trained him”
Marashi has been missing from the Redskins line up in recent weeks due to a foot injury that needs surgery. This effectively rules him out of action on the ice
“It’s been a real nightmare and I have had so many referrals and scans” said the Raynes Park based forward, who is also a successful natural body builder.
“I have another appointment with my consultant at the end of February to assess my surgery options, but at the minute there is no timescale”
Whilst the injury may have ruled out Marashi’s on-ice ambitions for the immediate future, the Redskins fans are still behind him off the ice as a number turned out to support the Shisha Lounge’s opening night.
Marashi’s Shisha Lounge and Coffee House is located less than two minutes’ walk from Tooting Bec Underground Station, at 265 Balham High Road, Tooting, SW17 7BD.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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