U Fleků: A living monument to Czech brewing tradition

On Křemencova Street in the heart of Prague’s New Town (Prague 1) lies a place that is far more than just a pub: The Brewery U Fleků. It is the only brewery in Central Europe where beer has been brewed continuously for over 500 years. Today, the complex houses a restaurant, a cabaret, and a fascinating brewery museum.

📜 The Roots: Gothic and First Mentions

The house’s antiquity is evident even in its foundation: three Gothic cellar walls document the building’s origins. The first written record of the house “Na Křemenci” dates back to 1430. The beams of the boiling pan (Varna) are even dated to the 14th century.

Chronicle of a legend: The most important milestones

The brewery’s history is marked by periods of prosperity, confiscations, and prominent family names:

  • 1499: Vít Skřemenec buys the house and establishes the brewing tradition at the site.
  • 1762: Jakub Flekovský acquires the company. His name “U Fleků” remains the company’s trademark to this day.
  • 1843: A historic year. The famous Flekov dark beer (13° lager) It is brewed for the first time. This recipe is still used today.
  • 1898 – 1910: Under Josef Karel Khop and later Václav Brtník, the brewery underwent extensive expansion. This included the construction of the magnificent Knights’ Hall and the redesign of the facade in the Historicist style by the painter Láďa Novák.

The Brtník Era: Expropriation and Return

Václav Brtník, who had worked at the company since 1898, became a co-owner in 1920 and later the sole owner. He led the business to great success until it passed to his sons in 1937. But the story took a dramatic turn:

  • 1949: The regime confiscated and nationalized the business. Despite considerations of closure in the following decades, the brewery was saved by its status as a unique technical monument.
  • 1991/1992: After the Velvet Revolution, the Brtník family gets the restaurant and brewery back.
  • 1999: To mark the 500th anniversary, the family is opening the brewery museum in the historic premises.

🍺 Today at U Fleků (as of April 2026)

The tradition is passed down within the family: Since 2010, it has been led by Michael AdamíkThe brewery is now run by the great-grandson of the legendary Václav Brtník. Particularly noteworthy is the continuity in the brewhouse – the penultimate brewmaster, Ivan Chramosil, shaped the beer’s flavor for over 40 years.

What to expect during your visit

U Fleků is a labyrinth of eight different halls (including the “Academy” and the “Suitcase”) and a beautiful garden. Enjoy the dark lager beer with classic Bohemian dishes such as sirloin steak (Svíčková) or roast duck.

Good to know: The Brewery Museum offers a fascinating insight into brewing techniques from the 19th century to the present day. The combination of historical ambiance and modern operations makes U Fleků one of the most authentic experiences in Prague.