Fogasház

Introducing…FOGASHÁZ


Fogasház is a newly established fabulous place of fun and culture. More precisely, it is a pub in a building waiting to be demolished. In Hungary, we have a special term for these places which directly translates to English as ‘ruin pub’. Very clumsy wording, I acknowledge, but it will soon be justified why it is very appropriate too.

Fogasház is currently in ruins, although it is not an eyesore at all. The place either survives a few months before the demolition is completed or it disappears after a couple of weeks. Of course, we have very much reason to opt for the first solution. What makes this place so enhancing and even magical (apart from the astonishing lighting) is the enthusiasm, uniqueness and enormous potential that it offers to the visitor.

The pub is run by KOHÓ, an association of dedicated youngsters who dream of establishing a both culturally and socially multifarious place. They have so many plans and ideas that could turn this place into one of the hottest, most popular pubs in Central Europe. No exaggeration there. During our little tour in the building, we saw The Room with Yellow Walls where erotic strip comics with a certain Sin City quality were exhibited; The Room with Pink Walls where a lecture about New York’s population was taking place; The Room with Blue Walls where we could observe an exhibition of pencil drawings and poems.

On the upper floors, we encountered a famed Swedish painter (who is about to have an exhibition in New York) working on his latest masterpiece. There is also a girl living in one of the flats on the first floor who paints glass and organizes practical courses where other people can get a glimpse at this form of art. Without doubt, one of the most exciting and unmatchable parts of the building is the roof. It is an excellent ‘hiding place’ and provides a complete view of the street lying under it. However, the most curious and mystical place on the roof is the ‘Alice in Wonderland-door’, which leads to the neighbours. Or does it?

All in all, this place is absolutely worth visiting not merely for entertainment and drinking purposes but also to learn something from the spirit of these young people. No matter, how dirty and ruined this place may be, the atmosphere is certainly one of a kind. And this is because we as simple, everyday visitors also catch this feeling of ‘belonging to what we established out of nothing’ that hangs around the whole place.