For many of us, a hard-working week always ends with a relaxing Friday night drink. In fact, from a biological perspective, this is a very reasonable way of winding down; we are usually tired and full of stress, and alcohol helps the blood vessels dilate which in turn makes us more relaxed and happy. However,
It is a well-known fact that beer is a drink that is enjoyed all over the world. Well, Russia is no exception as it is the second most popular alcoholic beverage after vodka. The history of beer in Russia dates back almost 2,000 years to the Ancient Slavs. Surprisingly, in their language, ‘pivo’ (beer) and
Between 24th February and 1st March 2020, Russians celebrate Maslenitsa or Pancake Week, a holiday that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Maslenitsa has been observed since the Ancient Slav times when, due to their pagan rituals, it was essential to say ‘goodbye’ to the winter. Initially, it was celebrated at
If you were to find yourself, as I did, prostrate and naked on a bench in an infernal steam sauna, your face mashed into a pile of birch leaves as a hulking Russian banschik beats you with bundles of oak branches, you might question your life choices — which is precisely the point of the
Here at Banya No.1, we offer a wide range of traditional Russian food and drinks. One of the most delicious ways to quench your thirst between detoxifying Parenie sessions is to have a glass of the refreshing and fizzy organic drink called Kvass. What Is Kvass? Kvass is a lightly fermented, non-alcoholic beverage commonly made
A traditional Finnish sauna is very similar to a Russian banya. However, there are some extremely significant differences. For example, a Finnish sauna is usually something you can find in any sports club or spa. By contrast, a Russian banya is all about the unique experience, which is why it always stands out on its
Here at Banya No.1 our signature treatment is Parenie – an invigorating thermal treatment using leafy and fragrant bundles of birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs performed in a steam room. In Russia, this bundle is simply called Venik. The treatment we offer is quite intense. And, no, it’s not about the slashing you with Venik,
The air in the banya may be up to 70 degrees Celsius, but a felt hat will keep the air around your head at a comfortable temperature. So the felt hat comes to the recue! It keeps the head dry and cool, and – this is for the ladies – it prevents your hair being
While Banya No.1 opened as recently as 2012, the story of Russian bathhouses in London goes back much further. It all began in Odessa in the 1820s during the Russian Empire. This is when the first anti-Jewish pogroms (targeted anti-Jewish riots) occurred. The reason for these violent attacks was that there had been rumours that
After Christmas holidays and unlimited food on our tables we all face the same problem of extra weight. Every Russian knows that Banya is one of the best ways to detox. The typical visit to Banya involves a treatment called Parenie – at the steam room with the temperature up to 60-70ºC and full of
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