Before Plovdiv became a city of trendy bars and gourmet restaurants, it lived to the rhythm of its pubs – noisy, smoky, warm and full of character. These were places not just for eating and drinking, but scenes of city life, where the bohemian and the artisan, the artist and the merchant met, and conversations often lasted longer than the evening. In this story, we return to some of the most famous Plovdiv pubs that left a lasting mark on the city’s memory.
Pivnitsa Gerdzhika
A famous Plovdiv pub, owned by Stoyu Gerdzhikov. Opened in October 1936. Extremely popular for its fine wines, especially “Bozhilovo” wine, as well as its delicious grill, prepared by Master Kolyo from the kebab shop Bulgaria. Around the 1940s, there was always fresh fish from the Maritsa River and Kamenitsa beer. The name of the pub is actually Noviat most, but due to the great fame of its owner, it is called by Plovdiv residents by his last name. It was located in Karshiyaka, right next to the Noviat most, and the interesting thing is that it is still referred to among the locals by the name of the innkeeper. A very popular and favorite establishment for all Plovdiv residents. Currently, the Gerdzhika Hotel has been built on the same site after a major renovation, and the restaurant at it offers Chinese cuisine.
Plovdiv Pub
In 1933, Ivan Shopov opened the Karaagach pub on Konstantin Irechek Street (on Dzhumayata) with its own production of white, red and black wines, Malaga and ruby wormwood, French cognac and mastic. In 1948, it was nationalized and renamed Plovdiv. It became a favorite place for the Plovdiv intelligentsia: artists, performers, journalists, lawyers, writers, poets, etc. The walls of this cult establishment were painted by Plovdiv artists in 1967. Stefan Mavrodiev, Tatyana Lolova, Yordan Radichkov, Rusi Chanev, Konstantin Pavlov, Tsvetana Maneva and a number of other famous personalities raised toasts at the tables. The main thing in the pub was tripe stewed in butter, as well as mixed trifle. There was good drinking, all kinds of appetizers and the famous frog legs – a prominent Plovdiv specialty.
Pub Tihiya Kat
A famous Plovdiv pub on the former Vela Blagoeva Square, now Nezavimos Square, and best known among Plovdiv residents as the Grape Market. Here, the innkeeper Bai Pesho was the first to prepare the famous Tatar meatball. The same cost 52 stotinki, and with a glass of mavrud the bill swelled to 1 lev. Here, for the first time, the “princess” was also prepared – a slice of bread spread with minced meat, which was previously mixed with yellow cheese. Each of the visitors knew their place in the establishment, and the waiters always knew who to offer what drink to.
Today, memories, photos and stories have remained from these pubs, passed on with a slight smile and a dose of nostalgia. However, they continue to live in the Plovdiv spirit – in the stories that are told around the table, and in the eternal love for good company, simple but honest food and a glass of wine. Because Plovdiv, more than anything else, is a city of meetings – and its pubs have been their most faithful witnesses.
