In the basement space of a Grade II listed Soho townhouse, right next door to the legendary Ronnie Scott’s, a revolution is brewing. For launching here on 31st March is Zima, a totally new concept that combines Russian street food and drink in a kitsch speakeasy atmosphere unlike anything London has seen before.
Making it all possible is Russia’s most celebrated chef, Alexei Zimin, the man who has literally changed the way Russians eat. As well as TV presenting, editing his country’s most celebrated culinary bible, Eda, and launching hugely successful restaurant and cookery school, Ragout, Alexei has made Russian street food cool again.
On a mission to introduce the world to the amazing tastes and flavours from the former Soviet Union that now has Russia in thrall, Alexei has chosen London as his first port of call.
At his hands, street and gourmet food combine in an array of tapas-style creations featuring classic ingredients from all corners of his vast homeland – sturgeon, herring, scallops, crab, venison and, of course, caviar, with Zima (the Russian word for winter and Alexei’s nickname) set to become home to the best priced varieties in the capital.
Think of Zima as a kind of Russian culinary A to Z, whether it’s Kamchatka staple Crab claw with bread crisps & red caviar; Black caviar with traditional sides from Yaroslavl (pictured right) or that Ufa favourite, Honey & sour cream cake “Medovik”.
It’s not just the food that will make Londoners sit up and take notice. Those looking for a street cred alternative to designer beers and fancy cocktails can sate their thirst with Russia’s finest beer, Siberian Crown, and, most exciting of all, vodka infusions flavoured with fennel & tarragon; basil & strawberry and lingonberry & apple with curry leaves, all designed to thrill the most jaded palate.
Zima’s fab interior is as funky as its food and drink. Think Russian dacha and Soviet-era ryumochnaya (vodka bar) – adorned with slogan- and symbol-embossed propaganda porcelain – mixed in with some contemporary Soho touches. The separate entrance also gives the whole place a feeling of secrecy and discovery.
Bringing Russian street food out of the cold, Zima is London’s coolest new offering.