One of the more recent Novikov ventures, the chic Vesna Café opened in the new glitzy Vesna Shopping Centre on Novy Arbat in July 2004.

Complemented by the stylish setting, the trendy open-plan interior is lit by floor-to-ceiling windows and filled with dark wood furniture and suede fabrics, with neutral colours reinforcing the modern look.

It’s set out over two floors: upstairs has a stylishly simple, chic feel to it, with modern chandeliers, mirrors and wall niches with flowers, floral art and a few coffee table books on gardens.

The menu offers popular European and Asian dishes, all prepared by Bruno from Sicily, as well as some gloriously rich cakes. The attentive staff are all fashionably dressed in black, and use Apple Macs; that might give you an indication of the prices, which match those of the shopping centre itself.