Echoes of Brutalism: A Journey Through Budapest’s Past and Present

Echoes of Brutalism: A Journey Through Budapest’s Past and Present

I want to be like the people in Budapest, experiencing what they did during the times of Socialist Modernism and Brutalism. We took the tram to the Buda side, unsure why, but I knew we had to start somewhere. So, it began at a random tram station.

As we walked through the park, I noticed a house characterized by simple, geometric forms and a lack of ornamental detailing. ‘Pretend we’re back in the era of Brutalism,’ I suggested. You simply replied, ‘Oh, you’re a time machine.’ ‘Yeah,’ I said.

We found a bar on the ground floor, where the indoor design echoed a collective society: rugged, with raw concrete as the primary material, complemented by traditional Hungarian patterns. Notice the house facade, the red galleon sofa, and the style of tiles behind the bar.

Wanting to further immerse myself in the Budapest experience, I started to appreciate Dreher Bak, a double bock with a full-bodied dark flavor and a hint of caramel.

Exploring the Prestige and History of St. James’s Square: A Blend of Business and Tradition

Exploring the Prestige and History of St. James’s Square: A Blend of Business and Tradition

Time to summarize, reflecting on all impressions and distilling the atmosphere into key points.

After a tour through St. James’s Square—a place characterized by a mix of corporate headquarters, private residences, and members’ clubs—it’s clear why it’s a significant location for businesses. It’s also home to my favorite club in the city. The East India Club.

Located in St. James’s Square, this private members’ club was originally founded for officers of the British East India Company, a key institution in the British Empire.