A Ruined pub

This is A Kert, the latest addition to the Kert scene in Budapest, it's situated in Paulay Ede Utca about 150m from where I live in the centre of Budapest.

Kert means a garden or courtyard in Hungarian and kerts really are places that sprang up in courtyards and gardens of usually abandoned buildings in various stages of decay. Some of the kerts are open only during summer while others can be covered during winter and thus stay open year-round. Many of the kerts seem to be only half-legal and under perpetual pressure of local residents complaining about the noise so it is never clear whether any of the kerts will actually reopen in spring or whether it is going to be on the same location as the previous year.

A kert has is in a courtyard with no roof, windows or doors, they're usually a great place to hang out have a beer and relax.

Some of the better Kerts in Budapest are

Corvintet? (Corvin's roof) this is one of the newest kerts in Budapest, which actually isn't a kert, but more like a terrace. It spreads across the roof of the old Communist department store Corvin. Every now and then it's nice to have a drink and a chat on the roof of the former department store.

Fogashaz is an intriguing place hidden behind a discreet old sign at Akácfa Street well worth finding. Fogasház is the place to party hard as well as visit flea markets, art exhibitions, theatrical plays, film screenings and lectures. The latter might sound rather serious but in essence Fogasház is still one of those so-called ruined pubs to go to for a drink or two, to party and dance away the night to the music spun by famous DJs. There is Hungarian Lomography store on the site, selling analogue cameras and accessories.

Holdudvar(Moon courtyard) is a pleasant summer garden on the Margaret Island. Although based on the model of kerts it doesn't have much of a kert feel to it. First of all, it is not in a courtyard of a dilapidated building in the heart of Budapest but under the treetops of Margaret Island. Also, the chairs and tables in Holdudvar are 'standard' compared to proper kerts where guests can often sit in old socialist armchairs and sofas.
Holdudvar is certainly worth the effort of getting to. it is an ideal place for relaxing drinks after a hot summer day

And the last recommendation, as i've managed to visit them all is obviously the most famous kert in Budapest

Szimpla Kert (Simple kert) is one of the oldest alternative watering holes in Budapest located in a courtyard of an old residential building in the centre of Budapest. Szimpla kert has achieved the legendary status among all the kerts. It's been expanded and equipped with a roof which makes it possible to stay open even during winter.
Szimpla kert is extremely popular with locals and expats. If you are into kerts, then Szimpla kert should be the first kert to visit. Keep your eyes wide open when looking for it. The small door at Kazincy utca 14 don't give any clue of the treasure hidden behind. Try the goose fat dripping it's fantastic

Comments
Sign in or get an account to comment.