On the outskirts of the picturesque town of Zvikov, which is often referred to as the gateway to the Lusatian Mountains, is the Sladovna restaurant. It is part of a renovated historic brewery from the second half of the 19th century, which, after reopening in 2014, came back to life by brewing original Zvikov beers - from a light eight to a full fourteen. This goes perfectly with honest cuisine based on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
The kitchen is headed by one of the most outstanding chefs in North Bohemia, Dominik Veselý, who works with Jiří Král, the chef of all Sladoveny. Together they prepare a varied menu combining classic Czech, Sudeten and international cuisine. The menu includes modern traditional dishes, light salads, meatless specialties and beer snacks. The menu is seasonal, so guests can look forward to a slaughter feast, barbecue or specialties from the brewery pond.
The restaurant is also known for its bakery and pastry shop on the brewery premises. Artisanal bread and pastries made from its own sourdough are complemented by Czech pastries, modern desserts, pralines and wedding cakes from the pastry shop led by Pavel Juraška.
Dominik Veselý, who previously worked in a number of prestigious establishments at home and abroad and gained professional experience at the London Marriott Hotel and Ještěd, among others, sees the culinary craft as a legacy that he continues with humility. “Our cuisine and beer are honest and sharp. Everything that comes from the north is a little more robust and hearty. Local ingredients from honest suppliers and a relaxed team – simply beautiful work,” he sums up his philosophy.
The Cvikov Malthouse is not just a restaurant, but also a place where tradition, regional ingredients, honest beer and a modern view of Czech gastronomy come together.