The Black Swan

Tucked away on Solyanka Street in the heart of Moscow, The Black Swan pub & shop is far more than your average bar. Born of the Russian “PubLife” group, it combines the feel of an Irish/English gastropub with theatrical décor, antique furnishings and even a hidden basement “secret room”. From the exterior, you might expect a typical bar—but inside, you’ll discover richly painted walls, old-world woodwork, rooms each themed around different architectural or historical styles, vintage objects for sale, and what some describe as a “Hogwarts-meets-pub” vibe. One reviewer put it this way: “It’s basically Harry Potter for adults… A really cool little English-style pub…” What about the drinks and food? The Black Swan offers a broad beer selection (draft and bottled), a full cocktail menu, and pub-style food. The basement area (“Hidey Hole” / “Secret Room”) includes a gothic wine cellar, organ pipes, grand arches and a unique atmosphere—all adding to the sense of discovery. In terms of ambiance, it suits a variety of moods: whether you want to unwind with a well-crafted drink in an atmospheric bar, go deeper for the cryptic secret room, or linger for food with friends. Given its location near Kitay-Gorod and convenient metro access, it’s also a good spot to stop in while exploring central Moscow. That said—because of its popularity and themed spaces—booking ahead or arriving early is wise. Reviewers flag that it can be busy and some rooms fill up.