Stirka is a bar and a launderette. Not like a faux ‘we’re-just-pretending-to-be-a-laundrette-because-it’s-cool’. But an actual launderette. We can’t think of anything more hipster, except maybe gluing a 70s Polaroid onto your iPhone.

This is where the cool kids hang out. Rumour has is Led Zep and Franz Ferdinand wash their smalls here when they’re in town. The working launderette and bar space is only marked by a step, so it’s really interesting mix of people. We sat next to a pregnant lady with a wash on, reading a book until her mates joined her for a round of Uno and sandwiches.

Meanwhile, the rest of the bar partied on. Expect a very young crowd (there’s no drinking age in Russia, although it becomes mandatory at 18). We knocked back Manhattans (cheap, sugary and boozy) while the DJ spun dub-salsa perched up high behind a piano in the corner. Dreadlocks appear to be compulsory for bar staff. It’s small, though BarChick got the last seats in the house and watched disappointed punters head elsewhere. Lucky us… we think.