Introduction

On the Buda side of Budapest, right near Batthyány Square, Polo Pub Angol Söröző has stood as a famous eatery for more than thirty years. Since 1990, The Harp has become a favorite spot for locals, tourists, athletes and artists. You can enjoy British hospitality, live music and typical Hungarian dining at Polo Pub. It examines why Polo Pub is one of the most popular locations in the city.

How Polo Pub All Began

It was the experience of English pubs in countries around the world that inspired the founder to begin Polo Pub in 1989. The founder opened Polo in 1990 as Budapest’s first original English-style pub with a name inspired by sports. A big reason people enjoy the pub is because its design has not changed—it still has dark wood paneling, stained-glass windows and walls decorated with old photos of athletes and maritime art. Ever since opening, Zsuzsa has been the backbone of Polo Pub, thanks to her welcoming ways and jovial personality that attract clients again and again.

The feel or vibe in the place

The pub brings a cozy British spirit and adds a little Hungarian flair. On the first floor, where the bar counter and high tables are, you can find solo folks, regulars and anyone who drinks beer. Upstairs, the booths and big gallery area make it suitable for group celebrations, couples and events. The building’s decor, with its wood-stair creaking and frames around antique clocks, shows its history clearly. You can find live music here every Tuesday to Saturday, whether it’s country or blues, with former artists including the Hobo Blues Band and Somló Tamás.

What Food and Drink You Can Get

Polo Pub calls itself an English pub, but the food you’ll find there is mainly Hungarian and very traditional. The big smoked ham hock which can provide a main meal for three, is a notable dish, accompanied by fresh bread and grated horseradish. There are also many choices such as goulash, stuffed cabbage, pork knuckle and a bean stew with egg or pork. Having a main dish in district I often costs around 3,000 HUF (just under $8 USD) and both palacsinta and somlói galuska can be enjoyed as sweet endings to your meal.

The beer selection is small but sure to please, with Guinness, Pilsner Urquell and Primator available and a pint of Guinness at 1,512 HUF ($4 USD). While British beer is not extensive here, guests have shown they like the Czech and Irish options offered. Plum and cinnamon apple pálinkas (fruit brandies), plus wines from Frittmann Cserszegi Fűszeres are some of what to expect in their drinks. The pub has drinks including cocktails and coffee for different types of customers.

Why should I stop by at Polo Pub?

What draws people to Polo Pub is its mix of different cultures and how it is a center for cultural activity. This is where the national water polo and fencing teams like to spend their time and world champion fencer Krisztián Kulcsár has used it for years. The pub’s live music and good atmosphere bring in many artists and musicians. There are multiple ways to get there, as it’s just steps from Batthyány Square and the M2 metro, as well as tram lines 19 and 41 and bus routes 11 and 39. Dining at such a place gives you a great chance to look at the beautiful Parliament building after dark.

Kindness and consideration from Zsuzsa and her staff are among the main features that make pub guests happy. The restaurant is praised for fast deliveries, menus written in four languages and a friendly family vibe. Its 4.6 on Google and 4.5 on Tripadvisor, along with guests describing it as the perfect pub for guests wanting a cozy location at reasonable prices (no more than 6,000 HUF). These days, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and simpler deliveries, plus staff members will be wearing masks.

How to Plan an Outing

There are a few things you can do to have a great time at Polo Pub.

If you’d like to join when live music is present, you must book well in advance either by phone (+36 1 201 7962) or via email (info@polopub.hu).

Recommended Starter: The smoked ham hock is a favorite shared throughout your meal with friends.

Go early to find a spot on the terrace since it shuts down at 10 PM, but indoors, you will still enjoy the music. If you get there early, you will find a convenient spot.

Including a walk along the Danube and buying food from Batthyány Market in your trip helps you enjoy all Buda has to offer.

Go to the pub’s website or Facebook page to see when your favorite bands are performing.

Budapest’s Scene has Polo Pub.

In addition to craft places like Kandalló Pub and worldwide pubs like Beckett’s Irish Pub, Polo Pub is a favorite among the many pubs in Budapest. Its reliance on Hungarian meat dishes is the main feature, but its English pub feel and music differentiate it from modern places. Because the pub has been around for over 30 years, it proves it can blend tradition with being modern, remaining a gastro legend in a city with evolving food.

Practical Information

Live music is played every day at Polo Pub except on Sundays and Mondays and the pub is open from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM (9:00 PM on Sundays). If you’re near Batthyány u. 4, 1015 Budapest, use delivery apps such as Wolt and pay by debit card. For private occasions, guests are welcome to rent either the entire bar or its gallery space. The website and Facebook page of the pub give current information about menus and upcoming events to all guests.

Conclusion

At Polo Pub Angol Söröző Budapest, history, hospitality and delicious food are all brought together with a strong sense of community. Enjoying beer, listening to music or eating a very large ham hock always makes the pub a special place. You’ll find the English tradition, Hungarian tastes and Zsuzsa’s welcoming atmosphere make it essential for any visitor to the Buda part of Budapest. Book in advance, decide on a time and find out why Polo Pub has been a favorite for thirty years.