A new ruin pub-esque bar has opened in the streets behind Andrássy Avenue on what is expected to become a pedestrianised street in spring. The eclectic carnival, jazz and candyland themed Körhinta Bar is a treat in an area that is otherwise devoid of such a cool venue. “Körhinta” means merry-go-round and the two-level place is loosely themed on the memories of childhood carnivals. It’s like Alice in Wonderland meets Mary Poppins meets Willy Wonka. While it has a ruin pub vibe, the interior is more sophisticated, making it perfect for drinks with friends, a solo chill session or even a date!
Körhinta Bar is the brain-child of Stefánovics Dóra who wanted to bring something different to the quieter streets between Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road and Andrássy Avenue. The bar itself is created like a merry-go-round, and there are toy ponies, upside-down umbrellas and giant lollypops hanging from the roof. On the mezzanine there is fake grass and even a small wooden boat with a table for two. Hanging from the walls are old-school 50s-style bathers. We can choose from the swing chairs (and have our drinks like we are actually on a carnival ride) or choose a spot at one of the authentic classroom tables. The entire place is decked out with decorative lamps and vintage items found at Budapest’s best markets. The good thing is, there isn’t that random “everything-in” factor - every single item and decoration is authentic and has been specially selected for the space.
The place is dimly-lit but shines with atmosphere and there are weekly live music events with jazz bands and jazz-hip/hop mash-ups performing on Friday and Saturday nights.
Lázár Street – the street that runs behind the Hungarian State Opera building – really needed a cool place like this, and at just a 5-10 minute walk from the Nagymező Street party district, the St. Stephen’s Basilica tourist hub, the Elizabeth Square precinct, and of course the Király Street mecca, Körhinta Bar is likely to attract a trendy mix of locals and tourists.
We have to add that Lázár Street is very special because at one end we can see the St. Stephen’s Basilica, while at the other we see the back end of the Opera building. So by summer, when the street will be pedestrianised and the doors of Körhinta will swing wide open, the sounds of Django Reinhardt will spill onto the street, and those enjoying an afternoon chill session will have a beautiful view amid the perfect summer atmosphere.
Of course from day one this place has been all about drinks and the menu has pretty much everything you could imagine. Mulled wine spiked with chilli to hot chocolate spiked with rum, plus the full range of spirits, beers, wines, ciders and cocktails. The special Körhinta Cocktail conjures images of sweet, sweet fairy floss and with white rum, coconut liqueur, strawberry syrup and strawberry juice it’s the perfect signature drink. Nonetheless, we don’t want to get stuck on the cocktails because this place has a focus on quality wines, with many coming to enjoy a few glasses of red with friends.
The space currently fits up to 80, but in the near future the basement space will open, increasing the capacity to 180 for concerts and events. Soon there will be a cold food menu too with sandwiches, and cheese and cold-cuts platters.Körhinta attracts a mix of locals who come for a low-key catch-up with friends, and tourists wanting to enjoy the type of venue Budapest is famous for. If we haven’t already convinced you to take a ride on Körhinta, then we must add that the ladies toilets are in a cupboard…and this is a truly unique Budapest experience that you won’t want to miss!
