Wales gets its First Russian Restaurant
A RUSSIAN restaurant believed to be the first of its kind in Wales is preparing to open its doors this weekend.
Gordon Peacock and his Russian wife, Irina, are putting the final touches to Swan Lake, in Newport, which its owners claim will be the first authentic restaurant of its kind when it opens on Saturday.
On visits to Russia over the last few years, the couple have made a pilgrimage to the Khokhloma factory to bring back hand-crafted wooden kitchenware.
They hope Welsh diners will warm to the exotic splendour of the restaurant’s opulent chandeliers, rich Russian tapestries and swan-carved mirrors that aim to create an extravagant atmosphere a world away from the humble peasant beginnings of Russian cuisine.
Gordon told the Western Mail: “There are several Russian restaurants in London and one or two in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham but we will be the only one in Wales.
“All of our bowls and cutlery are made from wood to a traditional design and have golden detail. They are hand-painted and look beautiful.”
“I had always wanted to open a Russian restaurant and was looking for somewhere suitable to do so. We are trying to be different from any other Russian restaurant in the UK because we want to be 100% authentic.
“Our chef, Devidas Stankevicius, who worked at London’s Hilton Hotel, and our waitresses are all from Russia too.”
The pub was doing well as a business when they moved in 14 months ago, so they ploughed the profits into a major overhaul of the dining area.
The conversion of the pub/restaurant, next door to their public house The Six Bells, has been nine months in the making and they had considered other Russian-themed names, including Red Square.
Mr Peacock emphasised that guests might find Russian dining more familiar than they imagine.
He said: “People ask me, ‘what is Russian food?’ And I tell them that quite a few Russian dishes, such as Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Kiev, are already on mainstream menus. And beef and pork served together features in Russian cooking.
“But there are a few differences, there is no point in asking for steak and chips for example because Russians don’t have chips, they have potatoes.
“And pork is often topped with cheese. The food is all about healthy eating off the land – and the land is vast.”
The food will be served with drinks that include Georgian wine, Baltika beer and plenty of vodka will be on the shelves.
Mrs Peacock, an accountant by trade, said she doesn’t plan on spending much time in the kitchen, instead concentrating on the business side of the restaurant.
It was her insistence on authenticity which may lead to a headache for the washing-up staff.
She said: “Wooden plates have been used in Russia for 500 years, mainly for special occasions. They help to keep the food warm or cold and I think food tastes better off them. They have to be washed separately."
