Király utca 46 [map]
Pest Centre, VI, Király utca (T4/6), 5 min
Rating: 7.7/10
It’s fair to say that Kuplung is probably the only bar in Central Europe which is located in a disused mechanic’s repair shop, and also has an enormous whale skeleton as its central feature.
Constructed out of papier mache and wire, the whale hangs somewhat precariously above rickety wooden tables, usually thronged with customers. At one stage, dozens of fairy lights were threaded through the skull, ribs and tail, the bizarre structure lighting up the room like a Christmas decoration from another world. However, at the time of writing, most of the lights had flickered out, and just a dark shell remains.
Located on Király utca, the entrance to the bar is unmarked but easy to spot. Crowds of young inebriated hipsters, wannabe-hipsters, punks, skaters or students are usually loitering outside, getting glared at and hushed by the tough-looking door staff. Once through the door, an intimidatingly large entrance hall leads to a large hangar with graffiti-covered walls. There is also an art gallery, as well as table football and table tennis. A separate concert hall is open at weekends and in the corner, a DJ plays tunes that nobody really dances to.
Kuplung might have a grimy feel - it’s impossible to leave without your clothes reeking of cigarettes – but it is cheap and once you're through the door, quite welcoming. For a cross-section of young, vibrant Budapest, it's as good a place as any to start.
Service: 7/10
Atmosphere: 7.5/10
Value for money: 7.5/10
What people we know think: 7/10
From the Körút, walk down Király utca towards Deák ter. The bar is at number 46, two doors down from Sirály.
kup lunk, cuplung, kurplung, kerplunk, kerplung, kuplunk
Andy T.
I'm going there this evening for the first time...tomorrow I'll post my impression!