Russian restaurant group Novikov to open first international site in London

The 50-strong Russian restaurant operator Novikov Restaurant Group will be launching its first site outside of Russia with the opening of a new venue in London’s Mayfair.

Due to launch this summer, Novikov Restaurant & Bar will include two different restaurants, serving Italian and Asian cuisine, as well as a stand-alone lounge bar.

Located in Berkeley Street, the site is the first international venture for entrepreneur Arkady Novikov, who has grown a 50-venue restaurant group in and around Moscow over the past 19 years.

His restaurants, which are all stand-alone brands, serve over 18 cuisines. The multi-million pound group , which employs 14,000 staff, also runs a 15 acre agricultural farm on the outskirts of Moscow.

London’s Novikov Restaurant & Bar is the first in a number of projects for the group as it expands in the global market.

The site will be divided into two restaurants, one specialising in Asian food and the other classic Italian.

Asian Room

The Asian room, led by executive chef Jeff Tyler, will serve Chinese and Pan Asian cuisine. it will have 130 covers and average price per head (excluding drinks) will be £25 for lunch, with dinner at £45.

The interior, designed by Geometry Design Moscow, will have a contemporary feel with a large piece of driftwood taking centre piece. The kitchen will be on full view through a glass panel so the noise of the kitchen won't be heard in the restaurant.

The Italian Room

The food served in the Italian restaurant will be classic Italian headed up by executive chef Stefano Stacca, Average prices (excluding drinks) will be £25 for lunch and £50 for dinner.

Also designed by Geometry Design Moscow, the room will have 150 covers as well as two private dining rooms. It will feature a large table with fresh produce on display.

Lounge Bar

Additionally, there will be a stand-alone Lounge Bar located in the basement. It will serve 140 covers of Italian, Asian and Russian cuisine and will also have an extensive cocktail menu.

The bar will be designed to have a “relaxed vibe”, with live music and performances by top DJs.

“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,” said Arkady Novikov.

“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.”