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While traveling around the Czech Republic, we often choose local breweries and their accompanying restaurants as places to stop for lunch.When we were in Slavkov u Brna, Slavkov Brewery seemed like the obvious choice for a meal. After visiting the Slavkov (Austerlitz) Palace, we needed to recharge our batteries, and this place turned out to be a very good option.
Location and Access
Slavkov Brewery (Slavkovský pivovar), as the name suggests, is located in the town of Slavkov u Brna. Its exact address is U Mlýna 1422, 684 01 Slavkov u Brna. The brewery is about 2 kilometers from the town’s main landmark – the palace – and roughly 25 kilometers from Brno. The easiest way to get here is via motorway no. 1, taking the exit at Holubice. From the motorway, the town is less than 8 kilometers away.
The brewery and restaurant are located outside the town center, but you will have no trouble finding a place to park your car.
History of the Slavkov Brewery
Slavkov Brewery, in the form we see today, has existed since 2012. It was established on the site of a former manor brewery. The original brewery stood next to a mill, which was later demolished to make room for a more modern facility powered by a water turbine. The only original element preserved from the old brewery is the malt house chimney.
However, the history of brewing in Slavkov is much longer. As early as the Middle Ages, there were many small household breweries, which were replaced by a municipal brewery in the 17th century. One of the oldest privileges held by Slavkov was the right to brew beer and wine. This production was subject to fees paid to the church.
According to records from 1617, the brewery produced 52 batches per year, each consisting of 32 barrels. At that time, local hop cultivation was thriving, and references to it appear in many historical accounts. The town operated the brewery until 1660, when it passed into the hands of Eleonora of Kunice. Records from 1750 indicate that the brewery’s output amounted to 2,112 barrels per year (one barrel equaled approximately 226 liters). Over the years, the brewery underwent modernization and increased its production capacity. The manor brewery ceased operations in 1917.
That sums up the history of brewing in Slavkov. The current Slavkov Brewery was established in 2012, although the idea had already emerged in 2006. Somewhat by coincidence, the new brewery was built on the site of the former manor brewery.
Slavkov Brewery – What’s on the Menu?
How does Slavkov Brewery satisfy its guests’ hunger? With an interesting cuisine that is both tasty and filling. The permanent menu offers many appealing options to pair with beer, as well as full main courses. Fans of Czech cuisine can order pork knuckle, fried cheese, or goulash. There is also a Brewer’s Platter featuring chicken wings, pork knuckle, cutlets, fries, bread, and other specialties.
In addition to the regular menu, a lunch menu changes weekly. Each day, two main dishes and a soup are available. Seasonal offerings include both Czech classics and international dishes.
Beer
The brewery produces five beers that are permanently available, as well as seasonal brews. Among the classics are:
- SLAVKOVSKÁ DESÍTKA – light pale beer (alc. 4% vol., EPM: 10%)
- SLAVKOVSKÁ DVANÁCTKA – pale lager (alc. 5% vol., EPM: 12%)
- SLAVKOVSKÝ LEŽÁK POLOTMAVÝ – semi-dark lager (alc. 4.4% vol., EPM: 11%)
- SLAVKOVSKÝ LEŽÁK ZA STUDENA CHMELENÝ – cold-hopped pale lager (alc. 4.4% vol., EPM: 11%)
- SLAVKOVSKÝ KANCLÉŘ – dark beer (alc. 5.5% vol., EPM: 13%)
In addition to these beers, seasonal products are also available, such as a dark “ten-degree” beer, APA, Christmas beer, or honey lager.
Slavkovský pivovar serves its beers locally, but they are also available in Slovakia, Poland, Ireland, and Slovenia. Despite international exports, the core philosophy of the brewery is local sales “around the chimney,” meaning within a radius of about 30 kilometers from the brewery.
Beers are sold in 10 l, 15 l, 30 l, and 50 l kegs, as well as in 0.75 l bottles. Of course, you can also enjoy draft beer on site. Be sure to check the brewery’s website to see what seasonal beers are currently available.
Our Impressions
Slavkovský pivovar – or rather its restaurant – is an interesting place. The interior features a distinctive design with many details related to the history of Slavkov and brewing. It is a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal, and there is also a garden outside the restaurant.
We chose fried cheese with fries and tartar sauce, as well as gnocchi with cheese sauce and chicken. The dishes arrived quickly, and the service was friendly. There is really no need to judge whether the fried cheese was good – it’s fried cheese, and it’s simply delicious! 😉 The gnocchi were excellent, and although they are not entirely Czech, they paired very well with beer.
Besides beer, there is one more drink for which Slavkovský pivovar is worth visiting – their homemade lemonade. Its flavor is hard to describe: it has sweet notes of vanilla, but you really have to try it yourself. It is made with an herb known in Polish as przytulia wonna, in Czech as mařinka vonná, and in Latin as Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff). In Poland, you can find it growing in forests.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Slavkov Brewery is a place I can wholeheartedly recommend. Many people stop in Slavkov to see the town, the palace, and the battlefield, and this stop can also be used to sample local beer and cuisine. Czech breweries and their accompanying restaurants are usually a good choice if you are looking for tasty food at a fair price – and the brewery in Slavkov is a perfect example of that.
