The Merchant’s Yard -
Russian feasts of old

Russian history goes back way beyond today's oligarchs. Likewise, well before 1917 and the revolution, when Royal blood prevailed. Echoing such regal roots is Merchant's Yard. Newly opened on London's Beauchamp Place, this celebration of Russian traditions is home to the sort of cooking fit for any king, queen or czar.

A Merchant's Yard yet for royalty, consorts and their like? This is no contradiction. Actually, Russia has always celebrated traders as some of the mother nation's most significant and powerful individuals. For centuries, not only did they boast unique rights to trade, they were also a very privileged part of the society. Merchant's Yard, the creation of Julia Flit, is home to cooking that graced the opulent feasts and celebrations for which merchants of the past were famous. To enjoy now at this authentic retreat is the very best of Russia tapping into tastes that have origins dating back to the days of Russian blue blood.

In establishing Merchant's Yard, Julia Flit has drawn on her own culinary professional and personal experiences in Russia to create a home in London for this traditional Russian cooking, updating methods to reflect today's understanding of healthy and organic diet. From caviar to beetroot, that most important staple of any great Russian kitchen, the menu echoes days when merchants would gather friends and guests around long tables for lively convivial meals featuring rare organic delicacies from the local countryside. Indeed, every third week of the month will feature a Merchant's Yard feast for up to 12 who will savour a seasonal menu and at the same time experience and absorb Russian traditions and customs, such as tea, the national drink dating back to 1683, brewed in a Samovar, with prjaniks and bubliks biscuits.

The Merchant's Yard brings to London an opportunity to try authentic Russian homemade food that the capital has long lacked. To do justice to recipes that are a combination of established customs and more contemporary interpretations, local farms have been sourced to ensure the very best ingredients. These will be used daily to furnish the deli store and will also be for sale in a grocery section. In addition, the Merchant Yard team will be available to advise on what combination of Russian delicacies will most enhance what you are planning in your own home and can meet this brief on your behalf. Feast at Merchant's Yard, or welcome Merchant's Yard to your door.

Products and services:

The Deli counter: Prepared daily for eat-in, or take-out. Organic salads, freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries, coffees and teas.

The Grocery: For produce to enhance any table setting. Assorted cheeses, organic olives, and special homemade vegetables dishes. Plus a wide selection of spirits, beers and Russian vodka, including Moldavian and Georgian sweet wines very rare to Britain.

To order: Recommendations from the Merchant's Yard chef, for your own personal needs, when there is no time to cook for guests at home.

Merchant’s Dinners: Every third week of the month, for ten to 12, a seasonal menu based on the traditions and customs of Russia that will enhance your appreciation and understanding of a style of cooking rooted in history.

Press contact: Rosalind Milani Gallieni
RMG Press Relations – rosalind@rmgandco.com