Interview – Arkady Novikov

The stunning Novikov Restaurant & Bar is the first restaurant outside Russia for the Novikov Restaurant Group, the phenomenally successful company headed by Arkady Novikov, the restaurant guru who has changed the face of dining in Moscow.

In 1992 Arkady Novikov opened his first restaurant, Sirena and his name has been associated with high quality and service ever since. We spoke to the man with the Midas touch about blending several cuisines and his greatest career challenges.

Following the huge success that your restaurants have had in Russia, why have you chosen London to set up your first venue abroad?

I really like London, it is one of the best cities in the world for restaurants, fashion and lifestyle. It is a challenge to set up in the Capital when there are so many other fantastic places to eat and diners are very savvy about where they dine.

In the short time Novikov London has been open, it has received critical acclaim, how would you say the London dining scene differs from your hometown?

I think the scene is different, costs are different, it is more expensive in London.

A Lounge Bar and two distinct dining areas, Asian and Italian; what made you choose this mix? How would you say they complement each other under the Novikov concept?

We’ve divided the space into three distinct areas, each with a very different style. They are three separate entities, but they complement each other really well. My favourite cuisines are Italian and Asian and I think these generally prove to be popular amongst diners too.

From the time you opened your first restaurant Sirena to your latest Novikov in London, what have been your favourite memories and your greatest challenges?

Each one of my projects has been carefully constructed. Sometimes I feel a bit like an artist painting a picture. The aim is to make each one unique, beautiful and sought after. At my age people start thinking about the important things, such as their health and the future.  There is so much more to life than work and money. Although if someone had told me that 20 years ago, I would never have believed them.

With the option of your own venues to eat at, do you get to dine at home and do you enjoy cooking a homemade meal?

I love to cook but I don’t often get the chance as I am so busy.