Emulating the classic vodka dens of Moscow and St Petersberg, Ruskis Tavern, is a unique new bar launched in the ever evolving city of London.
Ruski’s Tavern, creatively pays homage to Russian heritage, history and culture. Housing the largest and most varied vodka collection in London, including selections from Russia and around the globe, Ruski’s is clearly a place where you can go and enjoy a night in true Russian style.
Prior to the creation of Ruski’s Tavern – situated directly opposite Kensington Palace – the site housed a popular club on the late night bar scene. Now this traditional Russian tavern is set to attract an affluent and influential clientele who regularly return to this fascinating establishment.
Entrepreneur partners Antoin Commane and Diego Bivero-Volpe are the brains behind this unusual venture that transports its guests from the streets of London to the depths of a Russian vodka den in the time it takes them to walk through its ornate doors.
Designers on this project, Dtwo Design, are a London based bar and restaurant design consultancy who pride themselves on innovative and creative and unique design outcomes. Director, Dominic Taylor spoke to Premier Hospitality about the project, he said:
“We have created a Russian Tavern with the look and feel resembling a very distressed old Russian building that incorporates the history and background of Russia. It isn’t the biggest venue but the way we work at Dtwo we put a lot of detail into the style of the design that we create. There has been lots of tricky finishes, lots of special art and paint features. We are really hoping that people use Ruski’s as the new destination venue.”
Guests can enjoy the personal touch of a meet and greet upon entering the ground level lobby before being shown down the main stairway to really experience what Ruski’s has to offer. The Tavern is predominantly set in the basement space of the building, which complements the concept of the bar, creating the feeling of an intriguing hidden gem below the streets of Kensington.
A towering 8ft Russian bear is one of the many unique features that guests will encounter once inside Ruski’s. The bear, a widespread symbol for Russia, is the hallmark of this establishment, with its image also featuring on the bar’s logo.
The bar offers a light food menu, featuring caviar and chips, steak tartar and caviar club sandwiches and smoked salmon. A unique and quirky touch to the menu sees guests having the opportunity to sample a Russian ‘hangover cure’ of black bread, steak tartar and caviar-layered sandwiches. After 11pm the bar transforms into a club, offering drinks including caviar, champagne and vodka served to guests preferences of either frozen or exactly 8 ̊.
Due to Ruski’s providing drinks and good times well into the early hours the bar has undergone substantial sound proofing in consideration of nearby residents. Carrying out this work caused subsequent changes to take place as this affected the ceiling height which meant repositioning the entire floor space.
Available for private hire, for up to 20 people, the Tsar’s Table offers appealing features including a personal butler and champagne and caviar on tap. Another major perk is when guests have consumed all the beverages they can handle, they needn’t worry about the journey home as a complimentary taxi ride is available for anyone living within a one mile radius.
Speaking to premier hospitality about Ruski’s Tavern, Dominic Taylor concluded:
“This project has been very important to us. Working with the young budding entrepreneurs Antoin and Diego, who are hot on the scene of Kensington clubs, has been great. This bar really is a great and exciting addition to the streets of Kensington!”
To find out more information about Ruski’s Tavern or to make a reservation to have this unique Russian experience please visit: www.ruskis.com.
AFE Group
AFE Construction Ltd specialises in conducting general fit-out works for refurbishment projects, ranging from domestic and commercial schemes, through to hospitality and retail projects. The company takes projects from the initial scoping stage to handover and has previously provided services to a leading jeweller and a number of restaurants.
AFE Construction Ltd has been in operation for just over a year however Company Director Tony Elia has more than 27 years’ experience within the industry. Since AFE Construction Ltd’s inception the company has worked with many high profile clients including Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Harrod’s and most recently Ruski’s.
AFE Construction Ltd, Company Director, Tony Elia, commented:
“We were the main contractor on Ruski’s, overseeing all aspects of the work from structural alterations to the final fit-out. We are experienced in this particular sector and work like this helps towards the future growth of the company.”
Tony added:
“AFE Construction Ltd prides itself on its problem solving and solution based can-do attitude.”
