New wine and vinyl bar Sova brings Central and Eastern European flavours to Notting Hill

A new wine and vinyl bar specialising in Central and Eastern European bottles is opening in Notting Hill this April. Named Sova, the bar will sit just moments from Portobello Road, and aims to introduce Londoners to a diverse selection of low-intervention and skin-contact wines from countries such as Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine. The venue, which will seat 40 guests across a countertop, tables and a street-side terrace, will also feature a Slavic-inspired sharing menu and a programme of guest DJs playing vinyl records throughout the week.

Sova is being launched by the team behind Zima, the Soho-based restaurant celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. The new bar will take over the site previously occupied by Zima Notting Hill. The wine list has been curated by consultant sommelier Cristian Vega, who has previously worked at Wilton’s, Pollini at Ladbroke Hall and Le Boudin Blanc. Vega’s selection reflects his “personal passion for low-intervention winemaking”, and includes sparkling wines such as pét-nats and a Ukrainian-style brut, alongside a range of skin-contact and orange wines. Georgian wines are particularly well represented, with further options from Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Bulgaria. Champagne, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic drinks, including sparkling teas, will also be available.

The food menu, developed by Moldovan chef Denis Calmis, features sharing plates with subtle Slavic influences. Starters include Slow-roasted Peppers with Anchovies and Dill Oil, Beef Tartare on Borodinsky Bread with Horseradish Mayonnaise and a selection of Slavic cheeses. Main dishes range from Whisky and Honey-roasted Baby Chicken with Green Salsa to Crispy Sea Bass with Fennel, Grapefruit and Garden Peas and Miso-glazed Duck Confit with Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes and Plum Sauce. For dessert, there are treats such as a Dark Chocolate Mousse with Sea Buckthorn and Wild Berry Cake with Mascarpone and Poppy Seed.

Sova intends to source ingredients locally, including bread from Notting Hill Bakery and seasonal produce from British suppliers, while importing specialist items from Eastern Europe. The bar’s music programme will focus on vinyl, with selections curated with help from the team at Rough Trade. Guest DJs, both emerging and established, will perform throughout the week.

The interior, designed by AIYA Bureau, features natural, muted tones, wood and linen textures and low lighting to create an intimate atmosphere. Sova will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, with both reservations and walk-ins welcome.

Food Desk

Sova opens in spring 2026 at 9 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 2EE. For further information and updates, visit the bar’s website here.