Outside Shoreditch : Moscow Insider

Moscow, as I left it fours years ago was the epitome of glamor and decadence. Sable fur coats, posh cars, Vertu phones and very expensive restaurants.Thankfully the situation has changed and nowadays Russia’s capital is one of the most hip cities in Europe. In this article I will tell you about the most notorious places you can have fun during the day and dance yourself to delerium at night.

 

Solyanka, 11/6 Solyanka

Officially the first hipster club in Moscow. The idea was to create a space where bohemian Muscovites work, eat, drink and dance as it opens from 10 am till 6 am. Solyanka is very much like Soho house. Though there is no membership, face control really wants you to look cool to get inside during weekends.

Mendeleev bar, 20/1 Petrovka str

Entrance to the bar is hidden as in the best traditions of secret venues in New York’s Chinatown . You have to go through the velvet curtain of a noodle bar, Lucky Noodles. The place has a gothic decor with stone walls, psychedelic music and gragons moustache on the wall. To enjoy it in full try absinth Green Fairy or stick to the cocktail menu which is the best in Moscow.

Carabas bar, 23/8 Lev Tolstoy str

Carabas bar is perfect place to have lunch during the daytime with its pan Asian cuisine and a lot of fun on the weekends as young hip crowd loves this place for the famous Russian djs and chilled atmosphere.

 

Casino Restaurant and Bar is located in the former Cherry Casino space, an iconic building that entertained the nouveau riche of the 90s. Once gambling was prohibited, a group of creative people converted casino into Italian/Japanese restaurant. This place is highly recommended for the Jazz age atmosphere and best Philadelphia rolls.

Krasny Oktyabr, 6 Bersenievskaya naberejnaya

Built in 1885, a converted chocolate factory Krasny Octyabr is centre of pop culture in modern Moscow. It is a unique island in the heart of Moscow. Art galleries, bars, independent media agencies are situated here. You may start your day there with brunch in Art Akademia the 900 sq metres loft where you can enjoy European/ Japanese food along with the exhibition of contemporary art. Afterwards visit Red October Gallery of modern art and Lumiere brothers photography centre. Not far from the photography centre there is a Dome restaurant and cinema where Soviet movies are screened. As for the evening I suggest going to Reka club to listen to Russian indie band or Strelka bar for a best terrace in Moscow.

Park Gorkogo, 9 Krymskii val

The biggest park in Moscow has been transformed into Christmas market and ice ring. Pop in for mulled wine and blinis with caviar.

 

 

 

Fott, 7 Dmitrovskii pereylok

Fott is one of the first online shop in Russia. It is extremely popular among expats and hipsters. Emerging brands, friendly atmosphere, affordable prices make this place worth visiting.