A Russian revolution is coming to the capital this autumn, with the imminent opening of two Russian restaurants.

Following the success of Maria Vanna in St Petersburg, Moscow and New York, Vadim Lapin and Dmitry Sergeyev will be opening a London venture in Knightsbridge. Housed in a 19^th century building on the doorstep of One Hyde Park, Mari Vanna promises to transport guest into an archetypal Russian home with its trinkets and tchotchke, including the iconic Russian Bear, stacking dolls and Cheburashka, bookshelves filled with literature by Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky and elaborate chandeliers. Food will focus on modern ‘babushka’ style cooking;  expect borscht, beef and honeyed vodka and veal dumplings.

Meanwhile in Mayfair, Novikov Restaurant & Bar will launch in November. Owned by Moscow restaurant guru Arkady Novikov, Novikov Restaurant & Bar will be divided into two seriously good looking (think suede walls and seasonal lighting) restaurants, one specialising in Asian food and the other classic Italian. There will also be a bar (fitted with jade from Novikov’s personal collection) serving up cocktails, live music and performances by some of the world’s top DJs. Says Arkady Novikov: “London is renowned for the diversity and quality of its restaurant culture and is home to some of the best restaurants in the world.  As one of the great cosmopolitan cities, London was a natural choice as a location for our first restaurant outside of Russia. We are excited about bringing the Novikov experience to London and I am confident that we can add to the vibrancy of the London restaurant scene.

Get ready for the battle of the borscht…!

For more information on Mari Vanna, please visit www.marivanna.co.uk. For the lowdown on Novikov Restaurant&Bar, please visit www.novikovrestaurant.co.uk

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