Gólya is an alternative community venue with a bar, restaurant, workshop and general meeting space, hosting concerts, lectures, film clubs, educational events and workshops. After closing its doors earlier this year, a new location has finally opened.
The Gólya (‘Stork’) is a popular spot for those seeking an unconventional nightlife experience. It began as an underground nightclub, expanding in 2013 to its current iteration with concerts, lectures and other community affairs. Until the spring of 2019, it operated on Bókay János utca then more recently moved across the same district to Orczy út.
The Gólya is run on a co-operative basis, where employees organise tasks in working groups, team leaders rotate every three months, and profits are distributed equally amongst all. For example, Franciska Király is responsible for marketing, renovation, maintenance and decoration – she has even learned carpentry in order to soundproof the walls, and is partnering with an architecture student to finish the rooftop terrace. They hope to have it ready by spring.
The new location on Orczy út is an expansive 1,200 square metres, a significant step up from its previous spot. Entering the iron door at the entrance, the first room is the bar, with a stage for live music. There are shows every week, featuring all sorts of local bands. This room holds up to 80 people, and is also the location for exhibitions, movie screenings, conferences, parties and other community events.
The kitchen has a set menu of nachos, grilled sandwiches, hummus and quesadillas, as well as a daily selection of three dishes which changes each weekday. There are also vegetarian and vegan options for those who prefer.
Another feature of the Gólya is the FUSI Community Workshop, which operates as a sort of makerspace in the city, with an ever-growing collection of tools and machines. Everyone is welcome here to work on projects, whether you want company and inspiration, or simply need more working space than your home allows.
In the daytime, a nursery is open for parents who need childcare during the workday, or simply want a moment for coffee and relaxation.
Above the pub is a guest room with a counter and kitchen, still under renovation. These works, like Franciska’s carpentry, are a communal effort. Many of the staff members have learned to weld, install lights and even lay bricks.
The new venue on Orczy út is only a bus ride from the centre, the number 9 bringing you to its doorstep in 15 minutes. When asked, Franciska says she is confident that guests will make the journey, as the Gólya is one of the few alternative places left in the city, and not a “mindless tourist trap”.
Community is the heart of the Gólya, and they recently set up the Orczy Neighbourhood Campaign, knocking on the doors of the nearby residents to assess their wants and needs, and using this information to shape their operations, events and services.
Gólya Presszó District VIII. Orczy út 46-48
Open: Mon-Wed 5pm-midnight, Thur 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 5pm-4am
