TEA Time Brewpub – Krakow, Poland

Wherever I travel, I’m always on the lookout for breweries that serve traditional cask-conditioned ale – also referred to as real ale. Real ale or cask-conditioned beer is a natural, living product.  At the end of the production process the beer is not filtered, pasteurized or artificially carbonated. Instead, it’s placed into casks, often with extra hops for aroma, and delivered in unfinished form to pubs.  At the pub the beer enjoys a secondary fermentation in cask that creates a full, mature flavor. Cask ales offer nuanced, complex aromas and flavors. The natural fermentation provides gentler carbonation, which allows the palate to perceive these more complex flavor and aromatic profiles. Most importantly, when done correctly, cask ales are spectacular and delicious works of brewing artistry.

Finding traditional, classic cask-conditioned ales, like Bitter, Pale Ale, Stout and even Dark Mild, outside of the United Kingdom is challenging. However, in 2016 I visited the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland. Further, I visited the first and only real ale brewpub in Poland – TEA Time Brewpub. The term “T.E.A.” stands for Traditional English Ale.

TEA Time Brewpub Background

Although founded in 2014, TEA Time traces its brewing history to 1992 when John Eastwood started Eastwood’s brewery in Huddersfield, England. Eastwood’s brewery won numerous Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Best Beer of Festival awards in many U.K. cities. In addition, Eastwood’s won a Bronze Medal Award at the Great British Beer Festival in London. However, John Eastwood retired from brewing several years back.

Located in beautiful Krakow, Poland. TEA Time is Poland’s first and only real ale brewpub.

Today, TEA Time revived some of John Eastwood’s original recipes under the direction of his son – James. Black Prince, Nettlethrasher and England’s Glory compose just some of the original Eastwood beers now brewed and served at the brewpub. In addition to Eastwood’s recipes, the brewpub offers many new and original brews developed by their team.

The brewpub markets its roots in British Real Ale tradition.

Visiting the Brewpub

The Brewpub offers up to 8 real ales served from UK hand pumps. In addition, other craft beers are available on tap. TEA Time also serves Polish cider and some fine Czech lagers. I found the beers to be delicious.

You’ll find a mix of local customers and tourists. And the mix creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Hand pumps serve beers from casks located in a cold cellar under the bar direct to your glass at the bar!

A tap room adjoining the bar offers high tables and comfortable chairs. The decor sports many features that connect visitors to the brewpub’s British brewing history.

A trip downstairs to the basement leads to the brewery rooms and cask cellar. Also, you can play darts or watch live sports on TV.

Any trip to Poland deserves a stop in beautiful Krakow. And, most importantly, any trip to Krakow deserves a stop at TEA Time Brewpub for some great cask-conditioned ale and a fun time.