As well as gigs, I looked out for some more bars to recommend to my metalhead and alternative-inclined friends back home. Before heading to the Alcest gig I decided to head to Rock Garaz (which I will come to later), but didn’t realise there was two bars sharing the same courtyard, so I actually ended up at Pinwa Stopa. Not to worry though, this place is an amazing treasure trove of craft beer, decorated with all kinds of old beer adverts and with a truly homely atmosphere. I would revisit there during my stay in Poznan, and enjoy several beers, including Kwas Jota’s Currant Sour Ale, Gruby Bamber’s Rye Thick Weisen, and Magic Road’s Pretty. Just note the pump clips are just for show, and the actual beers on offer are indicated on a blackboard by the bar.

Rock Garaz is the place to be in Poznan if you want a proper rock bar. This place plays a mix of classic metal and rock with some heavier stuff, although may also get 80s pop and 90s indie. The beer selection is pretty impressive too, with a range of local beers and their own brand, and if you are on a budget the Specjal is just about drinkable at 11 zlotys for a 500ml glass. The bar staff are pretty friendly too and the bar itself is decked with a mix of electric guitars and vintage electronic items.

Also worth a visit is Van Gogh PUB, this tends to be a mix of punk and popular metal although they also play the likes of Ghost. It’s a very vibrant pub which does good beer, and the theme of the pub in based on, yes, Van Gogh paintings:

My final evening in Poznan went out on a high when I decided to check out the PRL PUB, whose theme is based on old propaganda and memorabilia from the communist era (‘PRL’ being the Polish acronym for Polish People’s Republic), similarly to the PUB Propaganda I visited in Krakow last year. I was planning on just checking it out before moving on to one of the previous bars, but I ended up staying the entire evening in thanks to the bar being treated to an evening of traditional Polish folk music (which I was told I was lucky to witness cause they usually play another day), some great beer, and a really friendly bartender called Sylvia who I struck up an interesting conversation with, who not only treated me to free shots of flavoured vodka but also did a drawing of me as part of Inktober! Fantastic place, and many thanks to everyone there for a fantastic evening!

INFORMATION

• Pinwa Stopa: Szewska 7, 61-760 Poznań, Poland. Open Mon-Wed 15-00, Thurs 15-01, Fri and Sat 13-01:30, Sun 13-00. Tel: +48 532 329 277. Google Maps Website Facebook Instagram
• Rock Garaz: Szewska 7, 60-101 Poznań, Poland. Open Mon-Thurs and Sun 16-00, Fri and Sat 16-02:30. Tel: +48 578 025 218. Google Maps Facebook
• Van Gogh PUB: Żydowska 12, 61-761 Poznań, Poland. Open Tues-Sat 16-02, closed Mon. Tel: +48 733 988 329. Google Maps Facebook Instagram 
• PRL PUB: Żydowska 11, 61-761 Poznań, Poland. Open Mon-Thurs 16-23, Fri 16-00, Sat 15-03, closed Sun. Google Maps Facebook