Hovarda first landed in Soho’s Rupert Street in 2017, bringing with it a slice of the Med with an Aegean-inspired menu and new take on hospitality. And where better to personify the spirit of sun-soaked shores than aboard a floating pavilion in Hovarda’s second spot in Wood Wharf? Embodying the kind of fun, playful hospitality it’s named after - Hovarda is a word used in both Greek and Turkish meaning ‘a generous host with a free spirit’, Hovarda isn’t just a restaurant, but also a bar and late-night party destination. Alongside the Mediterranean menu, there’s a constant rotation of events and DJ sets - a night might start at Hovarda with a glass of wine and some mezze, and continue into the wee hours.
Hovarda is furnished to ease its seamless transition from dinner to dancefloor. Kitted out in dark tones and clean lines, Hovarda’s Mediterranean influence is invoked in the mosaics lining the entrance, tables topped with patterned tiles, and Ottoman fabrics.
Hovarda’s menu takes inspiration from Greek and Turkish cuisine. The Meze selection gets the party started with the likes of borek, scallops and saganaki, to pair with spreads from the enticing dips selection - including a taramasalata with a twist of bottarga and dill. The raw selection shows off Hovarda’s specialisation in seafood, offering sea bass ceviche, tuna tartare and yellowtail with orange dressing. Honouring the Mediterranean affection for family-style sharing, more substantial options are also available, including pastichio, a kind of Greek macaroni, kleftiko lamb, and vegan moussaka.
The bar is given similar prominence to the food, opposite which is the stage which the DJ takes to. Concoctions like the ‘Mykonos sour’, named, shaken and stirred to evoke memories of the Mediterranean’s favourite party destination, is a refreshing mix of gin, italicus and falernum. Other options like the ‘Smoky Walnut’, a mix of mezcal, walnut vermouth, and campari, offer up the perfect accompaniment to the sophisticated night out that Hovarda provides.