Hong Kong, 10 November 2008 – Mandarin Oriental, Prague is delighted to offer its guests with a unique opportunity to experience world-renowned Czech beer culture combined with luxury hospitality. The hotel’s new beer programme encompasses gastronomic menus with individual beer pairings available in Essensia restaurant: a series of “Czech Beer Academy” seminars held in the hotel’s vaulted cellars, and exclusive “pub crawls” which takes in some of the region’s boutique breweries. All led by Prague-based Evan Rail, an authority on Czech beer; the Beer Programme provides visitors to the city with insider knowledge of the city’s famous brew and culture. Finally; The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague is pleased to announce its new signature “Barley Ritual” treatment.

The Programme aims to present beer not only as the national Czech beverage but also as a cultural and culinary phenomenon whose distinct attributes complement both Czech and Asian cuisine. Selected Czech brews; well suited to Essensia’s authentic Asian and European cuisine, have been matched to each course of the restaurant’s new tasting menu, while a selection of regional Czech beers have been added to the restaurant and bar beverage menus. Additionally, guests can receive a crash course in Czech beer culture during informal complimentary beer tastings held at the hotel’s bar; Barego every Friday. 

The Czech Beer Academy presents the subject of Czech beer in a broader international context. The seminars, held in the vaulted mediaeval cellar beneath Essensia restaurant, are led by Evan Rail, Prague-based beer expert and author of the celebrated The Good Beer Guide to Prague and the Czech Republic.  The three-hour seminars include guided tastings of up to ten different beers and are enhanced by Czech and Asian food specialities.

Moreover, interested guests can attend an exclusive pub crawl with Evan Rail. In groups of up to ten, Rail will conduct an initial consultation to get a sense of guest expectations, before organising visits to a number of regional breweries suited to guests’ taste.  Because these exclusive pub crawls are tailor-made, guests are recommended to book at least a month in advance.

The Beer Programme has also includes The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague. In addition to regular treatments The Spa has introduced its new signature treatment “Barley Ritual”. Barley is an essential ingredient in beer making and The Spa has borrowed the ancient grain as the primary ingredient for this healing ritual. Finely ground barley is used in a variety of techniques ranging from a delicate sprinkling onto the skin, gentle exfoliation, and massage variations incorporating rocking and vibration movements as well as targeted pressure. The treatment is based on principles of bio-energetic therapy to release deep tension and emotional blockages. 

The programme overall highlights the great range of Czech beer types, all of which reflect various regional and historical conditions. In line with the latest gastronomy trends, the programme also emphasises the complex sensory qualities of Czech beer that have made it increasingly popular among gourmets, indeed on a par with wine. 

With its new Czech beer programme, Mandarin Oriental, Prague inspires guests to go beyond the familiar Pilsner and gain a deeper understanding of this local phenomenon now becoming more well-known throughout the world. 

About Mandarin Oriental, Prague
Mandarin Oriental, Prague is an intimate hotel located in a former Dominican monastery set amidst the palaces and gardens of Prague’s historic Malá Strana district. With a former Renaissance chapel housing the award-winning Spa, modern Asian and European delicacies in Essensia restaurant, and understated contemporary design blending local history with modern luxury, the hotel is a private oasis of sophistication and style in the very heart of Central Europe’s most beautiful city.