Kert Watch: The Third Time's Not a Charm for Tűzraktér

Like West Balkán, another nomadic kert in Budapest is Tűzraktér (click link for contact details and user feedback), which after starting out as Tűzraktár in 2005 became Tűzraktér for 2006's kert season, only to disappear and not make an appearance for last year's. They're back this year, in the former location of Kis Szimpla Kert off Király utca in District VI at Hegedű utca 3. Considered one of the better romkerts in years gone by, I was left feeling distinctly unimpressed, and not just because the toilets, (conveniently labeled as "women" and "not women"), have received less TLC than the toilets you find on Hungary's trains.

Above is the working washbasin in the women's bathroom, as the one in the men's didn't work, nor did the lights, which was probably a good thing.

Overlit with red lighting, (no doubt in keeping with the fire theme), the place just seemed too intent on telling you it was hip, instead of actually being so. The music, which was exceptionally eclectic, was so loud that in order to carry on a conversation, I had to shout to the person sitting next to me. There was also only one foosball table to be found.

A korsó of Soproni will run you Ft 380 and a korsó of Heineken Ft 580. Open in its current location from 3pm to 2am, the bar staff told me they would remain open until the end of the summer, although to be honest, I'm not likely to stop by again.