I went there last weekend and liked the actual venue enough - although it's not as dark or seedy as people have made it out to be. The decor on the wall is artsy, the lighting atmospheric and there's a nice array of sofas and tables. Even the bathrooms are in a very decent state. You know On the Rocks where they used to host Trailer Trash? Now THAT was dark and seedy and I was disappointed fo find that the Russian doesn't have that vibe.

When I went the basement room was lamentably closed. I paid 5 quid for a record label showcase, so I felt cheated. The DJs were pumping out fairly decent tech-house, but the main room lacks the kind of underground feel that incites you to dance. My butt stayed firmly planted on a couch most of the night, which is a shame because that's not my intent when I go out late on a Saturday.

Lastly, I expected a more 'East London' crowd - instead, there were lots of Eastern Europeans, who were all chummy with the Eastern European bar staff - it felt like a regulars' club rather than a dirty Shoreditch techno night. I can't say if this was due to a few of the featured DJs being Polish or if this is the Russian's standard (pun intended!). Yes, there were a few random, strung-out types, which would've been fine if the rest of the crowd had been more mixed; on this occasion, though, they only just exacerbated what was already a weird atmosphere. Overall, my friend and I (unassuming girls in our mid-20s dressed in trainers, jeans and t-shirts) felt a little out of place.

I'm willing to give this place a try again - but I'm not parting with any money at the door!