Baloven C is retro, modern, minimalist, feminine and bohemian, all in one, which is impressive for a small café on a busy road in southern Moscow.

A stone’s throw from Paveletskaya Station, this is an ideal place for a rendez-vous or for a pit-stop to recharge batteries, either coming in or heading out to Domodedovo airport on the express.

The light and airy interior is mauve and pink, with modern chrome and pale beech tables and chairs. Flowers and lamps with beaded shades sit on all the tables, creating a friendly and homely atmosphere. The hearty menu consists of standard ‘European’ café fare: soups, salads and pastas as well as main courses of meat and fish; and the portions are exceedingly generous.

The great ‘business lunch’ deal means that it’s usually full at lunchtime, with workers from the offices pouring in for a quick bite to eat. A couple of plasma screens show the latest Fashion TV or MTV and there is gentle lounge music for a relaxing experience.