Ukrainian Social Club

Tucked away in a Holland Park basement, Ukrainian Social Club feels like stepping into someone’s grandmother’s living room—if that grandmother happened to run a community centre with excellent cabbage rolls. The silver plaque by the stairwell is easy to miss, but once you descend into this subterranean space, you’re welcomed by well-loved patterned booths and the kind of warmth that only comes from decades of community gatherings.

The food here is honest, soul-satisfying Ukrainian fare. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the cabbage rolls, which arrive absolutely swimming in a rich mushroom sauce—generous to the point of indulgence. Stuffed with fluffy rice and wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, they’re the kind of dish that makes you forget about the world outside. The borscht delivers on its promise of earthy, tangy comfort, with soft vegetables floating in that distinctive ruby-red broth.

What sets this place apart is its dual identity. By day, it operates as a community space where regulars settle into their favorite booths and dancers gather for lessons in the adjacent room. Visit on a music night, however, and the atmosphere transforms entirely—vodka shots flow freely and the energy rises to match. It’s a place that rewards the curious and welcomes newcomers with the same matter-of-fact hospitality that defines Eastern European dining.

For those seeking an authentic, unpretentious meal in a setting that feels worlds away from typical London restaurants, Ukrainian Social Club delivers. Come for the cabbage rolls, stay for the atmosphere, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return visit.