Лавка ремесленного пива Samovar

The Samovar Craft Beer Shop invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the modern craft movement in one of the country's oldest cities. Located in Veliky Novgorod, this venue is a unique hybrid of an atmospheric bar and a specialized store. There is no room for bustle here, but there is always time for thoughtful tasting and good music.

Samovar Craft Beer Bar. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Inside, an impressive selection awaits guests: 14 constantly rotating taps of draft beer and more than 200 types of canned and bottled craft from all over the world. Despite the name, you won't find a classic samovar here—its place in the interior is taken by a vinyl record player. Russia is actively developing its artisanal drink culture, and this shop has become a true stronghold for connoisseurs of cider and complex beer varieties.

One of the main features of Samovar is the complete absence of a kitchen, which emphasizes the focus on the art of brewing. This is a place for those who appreciate the aesthetic of vinyl—from Vysotsky to Modern Talking—and are looking for "that" space without unnecessary pretension. High ratings and a loyal community of regulars make the shop a mandatory stop for anyone who wants to see the informal side of Veliky Novgorod.

To check the current selection or the schedule of themed evenings, you can contact the establishment directly:

The main activity here is thoughtful tasting. You can spend time at the bar trying new arrivals from one of the 14 taps, or dedicate time to exploring the displays, which feature over 200 varieties of craft—from classic ales to experimental sours. If you are not a beer fan, be sure to try the local artisanal cider.

The musical component deserves special attention. At Samovar, you can not only have a drink but also enjoy the sound of vinyl records. DJ sets are often held here, where the music ranges from Soviet classics to world hits. It's an ideal place to relax in a cozy chair or stand outside near the entrance with a glass, watching the steady pace of city life.

Since there is no kitchen in the establishment, the emphasis is on conversation and consumption culture. You can discuss brewing subtleties with the bartenders, who are very knowledgeable about the assortment, or meet interesting representatives of the local creative scene. Please note that drinks here are fundamentally not served in disposable takeaway containers, encouraging guests to enjoy the true art of craft right on the spot.

The venue is located at 9/17 Fyodorovsky Ruchey Street, at the intersection with Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street. This location is very convenient for those who prefer walking through the historical center: you can reach the shop from the Novgorod Kremlin or Yaroslav's Court in about 15–20 minutes, enjoying views of the ancient city along the way.

If you plan to use public transport, look for the "Fyodorovsky Ruchey" bus stop. It is literally a minute's walk (about 150 meters) from the bar entrance. It is also easy to get here by taxi from anywhere in the city; a ride from the center will take no more than 5–7 minutes.

For travelers with their own cars, there are two parking areas in the immediate vicinity. Its convenient location makes Samovar an excellent starting or ending point for an evening route through the city's popular bars and attractions.

The history of this place began in 2014. Since its opening, the creators established the concept of "Craft Beer Pub since 2014," focusing on promoting the craft brewing culture that was just starting to gain momentum in the regions at that time. Over its decade of existence, the project has evolved from a small shop into a true cultural hub for local intellectuals and tourists.

Notably, the establishment fundamentally rejects "pomp and pretension," maintaining the spirit of good old pubs where quality products and live communication are the top priorities. According to ratings from popular travel services like TripAdvisor, Samovar consistently ranks second among all nightlife spots in the city, confirming its status as an iconic location.

An interesting detail is the owners' close connection to the production world: they are also the minds behind the Applehead cidery and Timebomb brewery. This allows guests of the shop to be among the first to try exclusive new releases and local specialties that are hard to find elsewhere. Over the years, Samovar has become more than just a bar—it’s an essential part of the modern cultural landscape of this ancient city.

To appreciate the selection and soak up the local flavor, 1–2 hours is usually enough. This is plenty of time to leisurely choose a drink from the hundreds of items on the shelves, chat with the bartender, and listen to a couple of vinyl records.

If you happen to catch one of the themed DJ sets or decide to spend the evening with friends, time can fly by unnoticed. The place is perfect for both a quick visit as part of a bar hop and a longer stay in a relaxed, almost homey atmosphere.

The establishment opens its doors toward the evening, which is perfect for ending a day of sightseeing. The operating hours are as follows:

• Monday – Thursday: 17:00 – 00:00
• Friday – Saturday: 16:00 – 01:00
• Sunday: 16:00 – 23:00

Before visiting on holidays, we recommend checking the bar's official social media communities to confirm the current schedule.

Exploring the area around Fyodorovsky Ruchey Street will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of one of the country's oldest cities. Located very close to the shop are both world-class historical monuments and modern walking areas.

A stroll after visiting Samovar can lead you to the walls of the ancient Kremlin or into cozy parks where history literally comes to life in architecture and monuments.