Kids in Prague

Pavilon Grebovka in Hlavickovy Park, Prague 2

Restaurants and Cafes on 09 June 2010 by Larissa

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In the middle of one of Prague’s beautiful parks there is a gorgeous new cafe under huge shady trees. The cafe is housed in a remodeled, rectangular pavilion that was once used as a bowling alley and games room for the nearby Gebovka Villa.

With the sun shining strongly for the second day in a row, we thought we would take advantage of this luck and hike across from our usual Riegrovy Sady to Hlavickovy Sady (often know as Grebovka to locals) to enjoy the playground and to try out this new cafe. After giving the kids decent time in the playground it was time for some coffee and treat of ice chocolate for well behaved children.

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The building is unique, mainly due to it’s original function as a 19th century bowling alley. There are three long rectangular wings, the middle section is used for functions and parties, the new glass walled section is where you will find the cafe and the last wing is where the bowling alley once was. When Vila Grebovka and it’s surrounding land were bequeathed to the city the pavilion was used for several businesses including a kindergarten. Over time the building was abandoned and was overgrown by vegetation, this is how I remember it way back in the nineties when my husband wanted to show me how interesting the old ‘kindergarten’ building was.

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It’s such a treat to have these old buildings bought back to life for all to enjoy. The ambience was relaxed and views out to the park so vibrant in the sun and after all the rain. We chose to sit inside as it was such a hot day out and most of the tables under shelter were already taken. Surprisingly, the indoor space is airconditioned but then again with all that glass around it’s probably a good idea so that people can be comfortable in all seasons.

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The wait staff were very friendly and patient with our 4 boisterous kids, there were no highchairs available for the young ones but you will find spotless toilets downstairs. The menu is very simple, the usual range of cafe drinks are on offer along with three types of bagettes. We tried the tomato, pesto and mozarella bagettes (2 per serve) which were toasted and reasonably priced at 65CZK.

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Outside there were at least 18 outdoor tables, a lot with umbrellas. A large lawn is surrounded by the building and ideal for restless kids to have a run on. All in all it was a gorgeous day and this lovely place made it all the more enjoyable.

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OPEN: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 21:00, Saturday to Sunday 10:00 - 21:00

ADDRESS: Pavilon Grébovka, Havlíčkovy sady 2218, Praha 2

FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.pavilongrebovka.cz/

DIRECTIONS: Take trams 4 or 22 to Jana Masaryka tram stop and walk into Machova St, take the first street on your left and follow it down to the park entrance. Catch the Green line A to Namesti Miru and walk down Americka Street which becomes Kopernikova Street, this leads right to Havlickovy Sady. The Pavilion Grebovka is on the left side of the very large and imposing Villa Grebovka.