The ongoing war in Ukraine has seen a global boycott of most Russian connections. However there is an exception to every rule. Instead of shying away, ZIMA Russian restaurant in Soho stepped up to the  plate in a firm stance of solidarity towards Ukraine. The team’s fundraisng efforts have enabled them to raise over £27,000 for Ukrainian refugees through The British Red Cross.

Marketing manager Polina shared; “We at ZIMA Russian Restaurant were dismayed by the catastrophe that is happening in Ukraine and wanted to bring awareness to our guests and show that this was affecting all of us as well. Moreover, our team consists of many Russian speaking nationalities, with many of them being from Ukraine.”

In February 2022 ZIMA decided to donate 10% of the restaurant revenue to the British Red Cross in support of Ukrainian refugees. “We tried to do the most we could to show solidarity and help those who were in need at that moment in time. It was a very difficult and rough period for all our team, therefore it was important to take action and help as much as we could.” With the help of ZIMA’s loyal diners, and partner involvement, they managed to raise £20,675 in the first month alone.

Other initiatives included the addition of flavourful Ukranian Specials developed by Head chef Alexei Zimin, with dishes such as Chicken Kyiv and Spartak – Cacao based Honey Cake. 10% from the sale of these menu items was also donated to the British Red Cross, bringing the total amount raised  to an impressive £27,441.31!

“It was only possible with the continuous support of our guests. Thank you everyone who has visited us and supported this cause.” Polina concluded.

What’s on the menu this Autumn at ZIMA?

The Seasonal Specials boast of seafood and vegetarian dishes which may come as a surprise. The Baltic herring fillet (£9) with beetroot, red onions and apples, served on top of rye bread is a delight, as is the debut Potato doughnuts stuffed with mushrooms (£10) served with creamy mushroom sauce and truffle oil – a great example of ZIMA being inventive to create real comfort food gems you wouldn’t expect! The Aubergine caviar (£12) is fast becoming a regular staple on the menu, served with dill oil and pomegranate. If going without dessert is a crime for you then the Sharlotka — applecake (£10) served with lemon cream and raspberries is a must!

Read more from my recent lunch date at ZIMA CLICK HERE!

Photos: @the.soho.girl

MAKE A RESERVATION

ZIMA Russian Restaurant, 45 Frith St, London W1D 4SD

020 7494 9111 | www.zima.restaurant | IG:  @zimarestaurant

Did you know My Soho Times offers a FREE Venue Finding & Group Bookings service? Get in touch with us for more info bookings@mysohotimes.co.uk

Written by Kai Lutterodt |  @the.soho.girl

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This article was originally published in the Autumn ’22 issue of My Soho Times magazine. CLICK HERE to read it online, or CLICK HERE to buy your print copy!

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If I had a £1 for every time a skeptic of Russian cuisine takes their first bite into a ZIMA dish and their face lights up with a pleasant surprise, I would have found my fortune by now! Once upon a time that skeptic was me when a boyfriend suggested we try ZIMA Russian restaurant as we strolled down Frith Street on a desperate hunt for food on a date night.

Well, that relationship quickly fizzled away, but not before it ignited my love for the Russian (food that is). Three years on, I still get excited about trying my favourite dishes and their debut seasonal specials, even if I have to book a table for one. And that was my reasoning when I chose ZIMA for a recent working lunch meeting, this time a table for two…