Wine and vinyl bar launches in Notting Hill
Sova, a new wine and vinyl bar specialising in low-intervention and skin-contact wines from eastern and central Europe, has launched in Notting Hill.
Sova, located just a stone’s throw from Portobello Road, officially opened yesterday (Wednesday 8 April), focusing on wines from countries including Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine.
The new bar, which takes its name from the word for ‘owl’ in several Slavic languages, seats around 40 guests across a mix of counter space, tables and a small street-side terrace.
The wine list has been curated by consultant sommelier Cristian Vega, whose experience includes roles at several London establishments. It features a broad selection, from sparkling pét-nats and Ukrainian-style brut to Georgian orange wines and reds from across the Balkans. A small range of cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic options are also available.
Slavic-inspired eats
Sova is the latest venture from the team behind ZIMA, which toasts its 10th anniversary this year. The new opening will take over the former ZIMA Notting Hill site.
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The kitchen is led by Moldovan chef Denis Calmis, with a menu of sharing plates inspired by Slavic cuisine. Dishes will include beef tartare on Borodinsky bread, whisky and honey-roasted chicken, and miso-glazed duck confit. Desserts such as sour cherry and buckwheat crumble and sea buckthorn chocolate mousse will also feature.
Ingredients will be sourced both locally and from Eastern Europe, with bread supplied by neighbourhood bakeries in Notting Hill.
Sound and setting
Music will be key to the venue’s offering, with vinyl records setting the tone and guest DJs performing throughout the week. The collection has been curated in part with the help of Rough Trade.
Designed by AIYA Bureau, the interior will feature natural materials, low lighting and a mix of intimate seating areas. The terrace is expected to open during the summer months, while the bar will operate five days a week, welcoming both walk-in guests and reservations.
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