New flagship location of Prague bakery gives life to former First Republic café

Antonínovo pekařství, a popular name in Prague’s bakery scene, opened its newest location at Náměstí Míru earlier this month, bringing fresh flavors to the heart of Vinohrady. The new store, located on the corner of Francouzská Street, also happens to occupy a building that holds a deep historical significance.

This space was once home to the iconic Republika café, a popular spot during the First Republic era in Prague. The bakery’s launch on May 1 not only marks the brand's growth but also underscores its local roots at a venue steeped in Czech history.

“We wanted to create a place that reflects the traditional spirit of the bakery while offering something modern and unique,” Antonínovo pekařství Antonín Kokeš said during the opening event, adding that he has long envisioned this Náměstí Míru location as the jewel of his bakery's chain.

The Náměstí Míru building has a long history that extends far beyond its recent transformation. Originally owned by the Congregation of the School Sisters of St. Francis, the building served as accommodation for teachers and students of a nearby Catholic girls’ school. In the early 20th century, the ground floor was home to the Republika café, a popular meeting place during Czechoslovakia's First Republic era.

After World War II, during the communist era, the building underwent substantial changes, including the conversion of the café into a school canteen. The resulting alterations meant much of the building’s original charm was lost, but recent renovations have worked to restore its former grandeur.

The design updates have brought new life to the building’s historic features, including the discovery and restoration of wall paintings by artist Valentin Skála. These murals, which depict the journey of coffee and spices from the Orient, directly tie into the café’s original focus on serving coffee and exotic treats.

The space's high ceilings, large windows, and vintage chandeliers from the 1960s create an elegant ambiance akin to a Parisian café. The bakery’s new name, Ludmila, pays homage to the nearby Church of St. Ludmila, the centerpiece of Náměstí Míru.

The Náměstí Míru location introduces a variety of new offerings not found at other Antonínovo pekařství locations. For the first time, the bakery is offering puff pastry items, which mark a departure from its classic menu of sourdough and rye breads.

The new location also boasts a wider selection of light meals, and the menu now includes fresh spreads and traditional Czech deli salads. One of the most popular new additions at the bakery's launch was sweet buns filled with vanilla cream.

In addition to food, the new bakery features a café area where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee. The atmosphere is enhanced by the bakery's design, created by Studio Kosatko. Their interior concept combines contemporary elements with traditional touches that honor the history of the Vinohrady location.

The new Antonínovo pekařství location at Náměstí Míru is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., although extended hours may be introduced depending on customer demand.