The Šlechtova restaurant in Prague will be operated by Vinohradský brewery

Prague – The reconstructed Šlechtova Restaurant in Stromovka will be operated by Vinohradský Brewery. The city hall selected it as the most suitable candidate along with the future manager of the building, the municipal company Obecní dům. Vinohradský Brewery will be tasked with ensuring not only quality refreshments on site but also enlivening the originally baroque summer palace with cultural events. City representatives said this to reporters during today’s tour of Šlechtova Restaurant. The venue will be gradually opened, with at least the outdoor section expected to be operational by next summer season, said councilor Hana Třeštíková (Praha Sobě).

The original deadline for the completion of the repairs to Šlechtova Restaurant was this April. City hall representatives stated in March this year that the work on the construction part should be finished by December 31 of this year.

Ten companies were approached for the selection of the operator, and six responded to the offer, said Vlastimil Ježek, the chairman of the board of the Obecní dům company, today.

"We want Šlechtova Restaurant to become a sought-after destination, not just a stop on a trip," said Jan Korselt, one of the co-owners of Vinohradský Brewery. He added that they do not plan to base the operation on draft beer, but will also offer coffee and traditional Czech dishes.

They also want to attract visitors with a cultural program. Plans include theatrical and concert performances. Collaboration with the Metronome music festival, which takes place at the Holešovice exhibition grounds, is possible, Korselt said, noting they also have very good relations with the Academy of Art, which is located nearby.

By the end of the year, Prague must sign a contract with Obecní dům. It is still unclear what the rent will be or how long the lease term will last. However, according to Ježek, the contract could be for an indefinite period.

Vinohradský Brewery will likely pay rent based on turnover, with a minimum sum established that they would need to pay even in the case of zero turnover. Everything is still a subject of negotiation, Ježek added.

The Šlechtova Restaurant building was created in the 17th century as a baroque summer palace. A restaurant has been in operation here since the 19th century, most recently by Antonín Šlechta, who ran it until the Second World War. It was subsequently nationalized.

The building is now a national cultural monument, owned by the capital city. The rescue of the building, which had been deteriorating for a long time, began two years ago. According to city predictions, the reconstruction will cost 120 million crowns.