There’s more to Russia than vodka, fur and blinged-out blondes.

Discover a more natural and homely side to the former Soviet republic at The Merchant’s Yard, which opens tomorrow in Knightsbridge (where else?), serving authentic home-cooked Russian food from organic ingredients.

Take out seasonal salads, fresh bread and traditional cakes and pastries from the deli counter. Stock up on cheese, olives and dishes like perozhki (pastry filled with potato, egg, spring onions and cabbage) and raznosoly (pickled vegetables), as well as hard-to-find Moldavian and Georgian sweet wines from the grocery.

Or experience a typical Russian meal for one week every month when the shop hosts a special feast with everything from tea brewed in a samovar to pryaniki and bubliks.

This joint is wholesome, not flashy.

You might even call it revolutionary.

The Merchant’s Yard, 41 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NX (020 3144 0072).

Photo: Courtesy of The Merchant’s Yard