Must-see nightlife in Western European Russia

  • Restaurant-Brewery Augustine

    Western European Russia

    Brewing all of its ales on-site, this gastropub is a must for craft-beer lovers. With some 15 types on offer, there's plenty to get through, from a range…

  • Ptichka

    Western European Russia

    Hipster coffee has arrived in Voronezh; the tattooed baristas at this cute cafe are doing serious brews. Beans are sourced from Kenya, Burundi and Brazil,…

  • Samovar

    Veliky Novgorod

    Cool bohemian Samovar is a great spot to hang out, with an all-welcome atmosphere, good vinyl spinning, art on the red-painted walls and a range of…

  • Red Panda

    Western European Russia

    It might be a fair hike south from the town centre, but Red Panda is a great basement craft-beer bar with tasty food and a welcoming atmosphere. Ten…

  • Hagen in the Blonye

    Western European Russia

    Dark-wood booths, plaid wallpaper and stained glass give this brewery bar-restaurant an inviting British gastropub feel. They brew their own German-style…

  • Bar Boris

    Western European Russia

    Boris' tiered, polished wood parliament-style bench seating, aimed at a cinema-sized sports TV screen, is the ultimate in sports bars. The long dark-wood…

  • Pint House

    Western European Russia

    When the weekend comes, this is Oryol's premier party place, with quaffing crowds going bonkers to live bands. The rest of the time, it is a fairly…

  • Citybar

    Western European Russia

    With a ground-floor summer terrace and a mix of rooms and nooks on the second floor, this bar offers something for all tastes. Grab a velvet bar stool…

  • Pivovarov

    Veliky Novgorod

    Those seeking out local experiences – combined with cheap beer – should find this tiny dive-bar set in a residential apartment block. There's a number of…

  • Chester Pub

    Western European Russia

    Decorated with bulldog statuettes, Union Jack flags and portraits of QEII and Churchill, this baronial-sized pub attempts to re-create a bit of England…

  • Bridge Bar

    Western European Russia

    Heading down pedestrianised ul Lenina away from pl Lenina, on the right before you hit the bridge, you'll find this cosy basement beer bar with stuffed…

  • Brügger

    Western European Russia

    This corner tap room and brasserie comes with comfy armchair seating, exposed brick walls and a fantastic range of local craft beers on tap. Service is…

  • Beerlin

    Western European Russia

    Work your way through the many fine cask-pumped ales (five/10 tasters for R380/760) from around Europe at this spacious bar and restaurant. With its wood…

  • Bar Duck

    Western European Russia

    Find this cosy modern basement bar, its walls plastered with scrapbook cuttings (and a clientele just plastered), a few blocks northwest of pl Lenina,…

  • TIR

    Western European Russia

    This grungy, two-level hang-out is the hub of Pskov’s underground music scene, staging local and national bands and DJs. Nibbles are available throughout…

  • Old School Bar

    Western European Russia

    This mainstream rock bar has MTV on the screens and graffiti wall art. Join the young Pskovians here for late-night boogieing to thumping DJs, or just…

  • Beer Bar 903

    Western European Russia

    Enjoy mellow river views with delicious beers brewed on-site at this rustic, chalet-like bar. Photo opps of the kremlin out front are some of the best you…

  • Mr Moose

    Western European Russia

    A tiny drink-in or takeaway craft-beer shop with around 15 Russian beers on tap (from R270) and a small selection of bottled beers. It's tucked away off…

  • Kafe Vremya

    Western European Russia

    Set on the Volga River (opposite City Garden's Ferris wheel on the other side of the river) the popular Kafe Vremya (Cafe Time) is a great spot for a…

  • Dvoinoe Solntse

    Western European Russia

    Taking a stab at re-creating a traditional Japanese teahouse, this place has floor seating, screens and low tables. An excellent range of tea is on offer …

  • All Ready

    Veliky Novgorod

    All Ready is a bright contemporary cafe with pot plants and comfy cushioned booths. Centrally located, it's a handy spot for a coffee or cocktail break…

  • BARak O’mama

    Western European Russia

    If you're into Hard Rock Cafe–style mainstream bars, you'll enjoy this place with sports on the huge screen, international flags dangling, live music most…

  • Sovetskiy Sport

    Western European Russia

    This compact basement bar combines a bit of Soviet-era kitsch and propaganda with a modern-day enthusiasm for televised sports; join the armchair athletes…

  • Greensleeves Irish Pub

    Veliky Novgorod

    An Irish bar in the birthplace of Russia may seem a bizarre concept, but they've definitely got the craic down pat here. There are loads of beers on tap…

  • Kalinin Bar

    Western European Russia

    Its walls plastered with Soviet-era newspapers and a Stalin bust behind the bar, this spot is a decent choice for a drink with sports on the TV, DJs and…

  • Chocolate Cafe

    Western European Russia

    Small modern cafe specialising in coffee (from R89), tea and light meals (soups, salads, pasta) with walls adorned in movie and music posters. There’s…

  • Pivnoi Dom

    Western European Russia

    A cooling drink on the terrace of this joint facing the kremlin is perfect on a sunny day. It also does wonderfully fattening, German-style snacks.