Sova

Sova is a wine and vinyl bar based in Notting Hill, specialising in wines from the lesser-known regions of Eastern and Central Europe. It has space for around 40 guests between counter-tops, tables, and a small, street-side terrace. The interiors are rich, with dark olive green walls and blushing burgundy-coloured tables, and soft wooden units decorated with celebrated bottles and vinyl artwork. 

It has a really lovely ambience, thanks to its passionate team, and is very dog-friendly. You can expect the menu to feature pours from the likes of Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine and Slovenia, with some real skin contact gems on the list too. 

To eat, it's all about considered small plates. Our favourites include the raw tuna, with adjika, cucumber, fennel and capers; beetroot croquettes with walnut and a saffron emulsion; and beef tartare with Borodinky toast, horseradish and cured yolk. There are also larger plates, such as crispy sea bass with grapefruit on a garden pea puree, and with a dash of tarragon, which goes perfectly with a dry and crisp white wine. 

Save room for dessert, though, because the dark chocolate mousse with sea buckthorn is fabulous.