FEASTS FIT FOR KINGS & QUEENS

Hitting the slopes creates both a hearty thirst & appetite. Fortunately, there are no shortage of bars and restaurants to visit in Zakopane and the surrounding area. From the mountain huts at Bialka to the sophisticated hotels of Krakow, every conceivable taste is catered for.

You may not know this but vodka is a Polish invention. The drink known as ‘little water’ was first mentioned in 1405, in court documents from the region of Sandomierz. Today, some of the finest vodkas in the world are still made in the country.

Meanwhile, beer has been brewed in Poland for over a thousand years. Known as piwo, breweries such as Zywiec, Tychy and Okocim produce some of Europe’s very best lagers.

Polish bars are far cheaper than those found in the ski resorts of other European countries. For instance, a large glass of beer will only set you back £1:50. A bottle of Soplica, a delicious cherry-flavoured  vodka, can be yours for less than five pounds.

There are plenty of mountain huts to relax in. Maybe sit back with a cup of tea and slice of cake as you enjoy views of the mighty High Tatras. Or warm the cockles of your heart with a steaming glass of hot mulled wine, known locally as grzaniec galicyjski.

Alternatively, the numerous bars of Krupowki offer something for everyone. Amongst our favourites are Tygodnik, a rooftop café-bar offering stunning mountain views. Live music and a welcoming atmosphere can be found at Appendix and the Piano Bar is always a popular spot. Healthy juices and smoothies are available at the Strh Café. If you fancy something really different, Zakopane even boasts her own surfer-style beach bar at La Playa!

There are sports bars showing Premier League football and a number of lively nightclubs. Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail or two at Le Scandale or Va Va Voom, before hitting the dancefloor at Moskie Oko. One last tip, just make sure you’re awake the next morning for another great day on the slopes.

Dining out is likewise very cheap in Zakopane. The fast food joints on Krupowki offer massive burgers and huge slices of pizza for less than a fiver. A three course meal for two at more expensive restaurants will normally cost no more than twenty pounds.

Meat-lovers will not go hungry, with huge burgers, succulent steaks and hearty traditional dishes a speciality of the region. With its traditional live music and decor, Stek Chalupa is an excellent choice. There are a number of very good Italian restaurants, as well as exotic flavours from the Far East, with Indian, Chinese and Japanese eateries recently opened. We definitely recommend sushi at Omakase.

The best pizza in Zakopane is found at Cristina’s, whilst Tratoria Adamo provides excellent pasta dishes. There are the normal international chains, such as MacDonalds, as well as plentiful vegetarian options.

One of the great joys of holidaying abroad is sampling the local cuisine.  Highland delicacies include oscypek, a smoked sheep’s cheese that is produced locally. During the winter, the cheese is barbecued over hot coals and served with cranberry sauce. A delicious treat after a hard day’s ski or snowboarding.