Brew & Review June 2024

Hello and welcome to another month of Brew & Review. It’s been all quiet on our socials this month so no new faces but we thank any and all returning readers! June has been a busy month of working and moving home, so I didn’t get chance to review a Coffee this month! But at the beginning of June we had our trip to Bratislava, where me and Joe indulged ourselves in lots of Coffee. This is the Slovakian Special!

Mondieu

Starting off with our Coffee shop choice!

Mondieu is a coffee chain, with several locations across Bratislava and the rest of Slovakia and Czech Republic!

We frequented one of their locations several times across our visit due to their incredible coffee and amazing food.

With a focus on delivering great food, even better coffee and an incredible atmosphere it’s hard to not recommend visiting one of their locations when travelling to Slovakia!

Why Coffee is So Cheap in Slovakia

When Joe and I visited Slovakia, we were shocked by how cheap coffee was compared to the UK. Here's why:

• Affordable Living: Slovakia has a lower cost of living and wages, making everyday items, like coffee, much more reasonably priced.

• Fierce Competition: Numerous coffee shops compete for customers, keeping prices low and attractive.

• Efficient Imports: Favorable trade deals and efficient supply chains reduce the cost of importing coffee beans.

• Cultural Staple: Coffee is an everyday essential in Slovakia, not a luxury, so prices stay affordable.

• Supportive Policies: Lower taxes and government policies help keep consumer costs down.

• Low Business Costs: Cheaper rent, utilities, and labor costs for businesses mean lower prices for your cup of coffee.

So if you’re enjoying a budget-friendly brew in Slovakia, you’ll know why it’s such a great deal!

Fun Facts About Bratislava

When Joe and I explored Bratislava, we discovered some fascinating tidbits about this charming city:

- Two Capitals, One River: Bratislava is the only capital city in the world that borders two countries—Austria and Hungary. You can literally stand in Slovakia and see two other countries!

- Tiny Giant: It’s one of Europe’s smallest capitals by population, but it boasts a rich history and vibrant cultural scene that punches well above its weight.

- Old Meets New: Bratislava’s skyline is a mix of medieval towers and modern skyscrapers. The Old Town is filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings, while the new town offers contemporary architecture.

- The Blue Church: St. Elizabeth’s Church, affectionately known as the Blue Church, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale with its dreamy pastel blue façade and ornate design.

- Wine Lover’s Paradise: Bratislava is surrounded by vineyards and has a long winemaking tradition. The region is famous for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner.

- Home to a UFO: The UFO Observation Deck atop the SNP Bridge offers spectacular views of the city and the Danube River. The futuristic design looks like a flying saucer!

- Pressburg’s Past: Before becoming Bratislava in 1919, the city was known as Pressburg. It was a key city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and even served as the coronation city for Hungarian kings.

- Café Culture: Bratislava has a thriving café culture. You can find everything from traditional Slovak coffeehouses to trendy, modern cafés.

These fun facts give a glimpse into what makes Bratislava such a unique and captivating city!

The History of Coffee Culture in Slovakia

Ever wondered how Slovakia's coffee culture came to be?

Early Days

- Ottoman Influence: Coffee made its first appearance in Slovakia during the Ottoman invasions in the 16th and 17th centuries. While the Ottomans didn’t set up coffeehouses here, they did introduce the drink, sparking local interest.

The Austro-Hungarian Era

- Viennese Vibes: In the 18th and 19th centuries, Slovakia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Vienna, known for its coffeehouses, greatly influenced Slovak cities like Bratislava (then Pressburg). These elegant cafés became the go-to spots for intellectuals and artists.

- Coffeehouses Flourish: The first Slovak coffeehouses, inspired by their Viennese counterparts, opened in the 18th century. They quickly became popular hangouts.

Between the Wars and Post-War Era

- Czech Connection: During the interwar period, as part of Czechoslovakia, Slovak coffee culture was further shaped by Prague’s vibrant café scene. Coffeehouses thrived as social and political hubs.

- Communist Challenges: The communist era (1948-1989) brought economic difficulties, with coffee often rationed. Despite simpler and less luxurious settings, coffeehouses remained beloved meeting spots.

Modern Revival

- Post-Communist Boom: After 1989, coffee culture experienced a renaissance. New coffee shops sprang up, blending Western influences with local flavors.

- Third-Wave Trend: Recently, Slovakia has embraced the third-wave coffee movement, focusing on artisanal, high-quality brews. Specialty coffee shops now dot cities like Bratislava and Košice, offering diverse brewing methods and single-origin beans.

Today’s Coffee Scene

- Traditional and Trendy: From traditional strong, unfiltered Slovak coffee to modern espresso-based drinks, there’s something for everyone. The café scene is booming, with a mix of historical charm and contemporary cool.

- Festivals and Fun: Coffee festivals and barista competitions are popular, celebrating the art of coffee-making and bringing together enthusiasts from all over.

Slovakia's coffee culture has a fascinating journey, blending historical influences with modern trends to create a unique and vibrant scene. Whether you prefer a cozy, old-world coffeehouse or a hip, modern café, Slovakia has it all. Enjoy your next cup with a little bit of history!

A word from us!

We hope you enjoyed the second edition of Brew & Review Monthly! and we thank you for reading! The second edition and we’ve already gone off script with a special! But back to normal for next month, regular posting on instagram will continue so if you want sneak peeks and more content follow us there!

We would greatly appreciate any feedback! and to suggest your favourite coffees for the coffee review check our Instagram story to submit!

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