Founded in February 1998, Russian Café Cossachok, encompasses the Russian Cultural Centre and Gallery. It is Scotland’s first and only authentic Russian Restaurant. Since its opening, Cossachok has established a reputation for quality Russian cuisine. It has been named number 5 in Scotland’s Top 100 Places to eat 1999 by the Scotsman, Readers Choice 1999 List magazine, Hit List 2000, 2001,2003, 2004 List magazine, Top 5 Place for Exotic Dining and Top 5 Place for Comfort Food by the Herald magazine 2004. An eclectic music programme featuring world class folk, jazz, classical and contemporary musicians from around the world has made Cossachok a popular live music venue. The Cossachok Gallery, located in the mezzanine of the premises has presented exhibitions by local and internationally acclaimed artists from as far a field as America, Spain, Russia, Georgia and Armenia, from new talent to renowned masters such as Alasdair Gray. The Russian Cultural Centre is a registered charity that promotes cultural diversity between Russia and Scotland. The centre has undertaken numerous projects, concerts, exhibitions and exchanges and was recently behind the Beslan Children’s Appeal, which raised thousands of pounds to purchase intensive care equipment for the victims of the Beslan Atrocity being treated in Rostov-on-Don Hospitals.