Oy Bar: A new culinary gem in Wimbledon
Oy Bar: A new culinary gem in Wimbledon
Oy Bar is a newly opened independent bar and kitchen that made its debut in Wimbledon last December. The establishment is the brainchild of Evgeniy Zukin, a local resident of Ukrainian origin, who first launched the Oy Bar in Balham in June 2024. Known for its unique concept, Oy Bar offers a blend of wines from around the globe paired with both local and international fine foods.
In an interview with T&L, Evgeniy shared the inspiring story behind Oy Bar and his vision for its future.
“My family and I moved to London after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in May 2022. I had spent my entire career in tennis management, serving as the CEO of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation for the past 11 years. Venturing into the restaurant business was a new experience for me, but I decided to take a risk and leverage my managerial skills. During my travels for professional duties, I visited countless restaurants worldwide, each offering a unique experience. I always wanted to create a place that I would love to return to time and again.”
“As a passionate fan of oysters and seafood, I wanted to make these delicacies affordable for a broader audience, not in the street market but in a cosy, friendly atmosphere. This vision led to the creation of Oy Bar: affordable fi ne foods paired with exquisite wines from around the world in a welcoming setting.”
The bar features a small open kitchen where guests can observe the meticulous preparation of their meals, ensuring transparency and quality. While seafood is the signature offering, the menu also caters to diverse preferences, ensuring that everyone finds something delightful to share with friends and loved ones.
The wine selection at Oy Bar is another standout feature. Evgeniy explained:
“Our wine concept is unique. We categorise our wines into three price tiers: Casual Sipper, Enthusiast, and Connoisseur. This approach simplifies the selection process, allowing customers to focus on their preferred price range without having to read through the entire menu.”
Evgeniy, a dedicated wine enthusiast, recently achieved a WSET Level 2 certification and is currently preparing for Level 3. He personally curates the wine list to ensure it meets the expectations of Oy Bar’s patrons, offering over 30 wines, including white, rosé, orange, red still dry wines, sparkling, sweet, and fortified options.
In addition to its impressive wine collection, Oy Bar has started a collaboration with Wimbledon Brewery. As a local business, they value partnerships with other local producers. Wimbledon Brewery now supplies exclusive beer offerings, with Wimbledon Lager available on tap in Wimbledon and Lager and Pale Ale in Balham. The beers are served in wine glasses, adding an extra touch of elegance.
Oy Bar Wimbledon is open from morning till late evening, catering to your cravings at any time of day. For breakfast, they offer a delightful selection, including stuffed sweet and savory crepes, eggs, avocado, salmon, bacon, and sausage served on sourdough bread.
To complement your meal, enjoy a cup of exceptional barista coffee from Allpress, one of London’s leading coffee roasters. Oy Bar is poised to become a cherished spot for both locals and visitors, offering a distinctive blend of fi ne foods, exceptional wines, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
