Legendary Prague Pub “U Bába” Will Not Return to Original Location
Table of Contents
- 1. Legendary Prague Pub “U Bába” Will Not Return to Original Location
- 2. A Branik Legend fueled by Music
- 3. Reconstruction Dashes Hopes of Return
- 4. Popularity Soared with Music Video
- 5. New Location Struggles to Recreate the Magic
- 6. A “Weak Decoction” of the Original
- 7. Menu Remains, Prices Increase
- 8. Navigating Price Hikes
- 9. Changing Customer Behavior
- 10. What makes a pub truly special in your eyes?
- 11. Remembering U Bába: An Interview with Dana Tučková Hálová About Prague’s lost Pub Legend
- 12. The end of an Era: Saying goodbye to U Bába in Branik
- 13. Nyja Bába: Recreating the Magic in Podolí?
- 14. Navigating Price Increases and Changing Customer Habits at Nyja Bába
- 15. The Legacy of U Bába and a Question for Our Readers
The iconic Prague pub, “U Bába,” a favorite of the band Three Sisters, will not be returning to its original Branik location. Operator Martin Mirovský confirmed this, noting that the new establishment, “Nyja Bába,” is, in his words, “only a weak decoction of old Putyka.”
A Branik Legend fueled by Music
“The grandmother was a great legend at branik,” and its fame was intertwined with the band Three sisters. Fans frequented “U Bába” before heading “to the smithy,” creating a beloved ritual.
Reconstruction Dashes Hopes of Return
At the close of 2022 and beginning of 2023, patrons learned that “the grandmother would end” due to building reconstruction. While operators anticipated the changes and prepared a secondary location, hope remained for a return in a new form.
Mirovský explains,”We said goodbye in the spirit that we were promised that after some reconstruction we could return in another mode in terms of restaurant. Over time, the original owner left it. But we lived in such a cloud that we will return, but in the end it did not turn out.”
Popularity Soared with Music Video
- “The grandmother was successful to the very end.”
- Sales increased by approximately a third after the release of the Three Sisters’ music video, “I am Aleš” (from the 2021 album “sex drone rocen”), which was filmed at the pub.
- Vlastimil Zavřel, the Czech voice of Homer Simpson, was also a regular.
New Location Struggles to Recreate the Magic
The new enterprise, “nyja Bába,” located in podolí (Prague 4), faces challenges in replicating the original’s unique atmosphere. Mirovský and his colleague Dana Tučková Hálová acknowledge the difficulty.
A “Weak Decoction” of the Original
- Tučková Hálová describes the new location as: “I am my grandmother is a weak decoction of an old grandmother. A third, maybe half the people who went to the old grandma moved. Compared to old grandmother, it is sterile, simply a weak remake. Some people found a place here, some stopped walking completely.”
- Mirovský adds, “From the beginning we have tried to get the Baba in style like it was old. In essence, we have transferred some paintings and things that have been in the old pub for years. So we have the basic things there. But I think it’s no longer possible to move the old grandmother to the whirlwind. It’s a slightly different complex, everything is a little different. Regrettably.”
- However, he notes that some patrons visit the new location to see the changes.
The menu at “Nyja Bába” features familiar favorites. “The meals that went to the old grandma, fryer, drowning, Syrečky, it remained the same,” says Mirovský. However, price increases have been unavoidable.
- “We were more expensive. Whenever there was a price increase from the brewery or food, we have always tried to keep it provided that possible, but unfortunately the situation is that it caught us and we just had to increase,” explains Tučková Hálová.
- Mirovský observes, “It’s a small amount. It is not strictly that those people will say that they will not come because of the price. But it is a reduction in the use of alcohol and food, they order less.”
Changing Customer Behavior
Mirovský reflects on how customer behavior has evolved over the years, noting a resistance to new regulations and price adjustments. “I will mention EET or ban on smoking. We are still fighting smoking a little to this day, some people do not want to accept the ban. They perceive the price increase around them, ie gasoline, food in a single, but they are harder to take price in the restaurant, but it is a minimum amount. The company accepts it a little worse,” he concludes.
While “U Bába” may not return to its original location, its legacy lives on in the memories of its loyal patrons and the music that helped make it famous. Consider visiting “Nyja Bába” in Podolí to experience a taste of the original and see how this legendary pub is evolving.
What makes a pub truly special in your eyes?
Remembering U Bába: An Interview with Dana Tučková Hálová About Prague’s lost Pub Legend
The closure of Prague’s beloved pub, “U Bába,” marked the end of an era for many, especially fans of the band Three Sisters. While “Nyja Bába” attempts to carry on the legacy, recreating the unique atmosphere has proven challenging. We sat down with Dana Tučková Hálová, a key figure in both establishments, to discuss the past, present, adn future of this iconic Prague institution.
The end of an Era: Saying goodbye to U Bába in Branik
Archyde: Dana, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. “U Bába” in Branik was more than just a pub; it was a cultural hub.Can you paint a picture for our readers of what made “U Bába” so special?
Dana Tučková Hálová: Absolutely! “U Bába” was unique because it felt like stepping into someone’s living room. It was unpretentious, lively, and deeply connected to the local community, especially through its association with the Three Sisters. It was a place where you could always find good beer, good company, and often, a bit of spontaneous music.
Archyde: The pub’s location was clearly very popular with patrons. What specific challenges did the building reconstruction project impose on the restaurant’s operational capabilities?
Dana Tučková Hálová: Operationally, the reconstruction of “U Babá’s” original location came with numerous difficulties. beyond the immediate disturbance caused by the ongoing work, accessing the pub was significantly hindered, which negatively impacted our ability to serve customers. However, the most crucial challenge was the uncertainty around the exact timeline and nature of the reconstruction, which prevented us from confidently planning and communicating with our regulars, ultimately cutting off a substantial operational lifeline for us in the long term.
Nyja Bába: Recreating the Magic in Podolí?
Archyde: Now, let’s talk about “Nyja Bába” in podolí. You’ve described it as “a weak decoction of the old grandma.” What are the biggest differences, and what aspects of the original have you managed to preserve?
Dana Tučková Hálová: We brought with us as much of the physical elements as we could – paintings, decorations, the menu itself. But the atmosphere is harder to recreate. The space is different, the location isn’t the same, and that intangible magic… it’s just not quite there. We’ve managed to retain some of the regulars,but it’s undeniably a different experience.
Archyde: What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in the new establishment?
Dana Tučková Hálová: The biggest hurdle by far has been replicating the unique atmosphere of the original “U Bába.” The old pub had a character derived from its specific location, history, and community, elements nearly impossible to duplicate. Despite our best efforts to transfer physical items and retain the same culinary offerings,the essence of the original pub,which truly shaped our patrons’ experiences,seems irreplaceable.
Archyde: Price increases are unavoidable these days. How have your customers reacted to the price adjustments at “Nyja Bába”?
Dana Tučková Hálová: It’s been a mixed bag. People understand that costs have gone up, but, naturally, they’re more conscious of their spending. We’ve noticed a slight decrease in the number of drinks and dishes ordered per visit, but most of our regulars have stuck with us.We’ve tried to balance affordability with maintaining quality.
Archyde: It sounds like everyone is feeling the pinch of inflation these days. In light of increasing food costs, what steps has Nyja Bába put in place to ensure fair pricing for your regulars?
Dana Tučková Hálová: We are facing the same challenges related to rising food costs as many others in the industry. In response, we’ve implemented a few careful strategies to ensure fair pricing. We concentrate on sourcing our ingredients locally, which not only supports local suppliers but also lowers our transportation costs. We are diligently evaluating our menu to ensure that what we offer offers value for the prices to encourage regular visits. Lastly, we communicate directly to our regulars about any price adjustments, explaining the reasons and emphasizing our continued dedication to quality and affordability.
The Legacy of U Bába and a Question for Our Readers
Archyde: what do you hope people remember most about “U Bába,” and what do you envision for the future of “Nyja Bába”?
Dana Tučková Hálová: I hope people remember “U Bába” as a place where they felt welcome, where they made memories, and where they experienced a true sense of community. For “Nyja Bába,” we aim to continue that spirit, albeit in a new form. We want to be a place where people can gather, enjoy good food and drink, and perhaps even discover a new favorite band or artist.
Archyde: Thank you, Dana, for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that “U Bába” holds a special place in the hearts of many.
And now, a question for our readers: What are your favorite memories of “U Bába,” and what makes a pub truly special in your eyes? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
