“(…) That’s where I used to go for romantic walks in my youth. I would deliberately pop into Old Town cafés, and Krokodyl was the place to go dancing(…)”
Dom Restauracyjny Krokodyl
'Unforgettable moments in an unforgettable place'
Right in the heart of Warsaw's Old Town, Magda Gessler has opened a new, splendid venue. It is as if with the re-awakening of Dom Restauracyjny Krokodyl, we are waking up to the first days of spring. This is the perfect place for organising such special events as parties, banquets, business conferences and unforgettable wedding receptions. These are among the most beautiful halls in Warsaw (called ‘Sala Pod Arkadami’, ‘Sala Kominkowa’ and ‘Sala Krokodyl’) located in three historical tenement houses: Wójtowska, Wilczkowska and Klucznikowska.
Dom Restauracyjny Krokodyl is unique elegance in a classical interior, with its sense of history and a view of the heart of the Old Town. Each moment spent in Krokodyl will be remembered forever by its guests. “There is no other place like this in Warsaw,” says Magda Gessler. “We coaxed Krokodyl into waking up after its long winter sleep, and the Old Town got a place which will enliven it. It doesn’t matter whether it is a business meeting in Krokodyl or a wedding reception, there is no better way to give and receive good luck. Let Krokodyl be a place for joy and parties, let it be loud and let it bring life and and spirit to the Old Town.”
There are three halls on the upper floor of Dom Restauracyjny Krokodyl. The first, Sala Pod Arkadami, divided into three parts by pillars, is in the Renaissance style with a plaster fireplace in its central area. A XVIII century chandelier and wall lights add an even more chic ambience. Decorated and gilded windows have veils of light beige curtains made of beautiful, soft material; each curtain is decorated with replicas of Pierre Freys' canvas paintings. This décor calls to mind the elegance of XVIII France combined with the exoticism and fantasy of mythological tales. Among other drawings in the room are characters from La Fontaine’s fables, traditional sweets and Parisian monuments, all found in the curtain patterns.
The décor of the Sala Kominkowa also calls to mind the Renaissance style, and the beautiful beamed ceiling and stylish fireplace will surely catch the eye of every visitor. The windows are decorated with natural silk and purple curtains, and overlook the Old Town, offering stunning views of colourful houses and Warsaw’s mermaid. It is possible for Dom Restauracyjny Krokodyl to change the décor of its halls on demand, for special occasions like parties, banquets, wedding receptions and other events.
Krokodyl is more than 240 square metres, consisting of three halls. Sala Pod Arkadami has a total area of 139 m2 (each separate room as follows: 55 m2, 25 m2 and 59m2). Sala Kominkowa is 79 m2 and Sala Krokodyl, near Kominkowa, has 23 m2. Dom Restauracyjny Krokodyl can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Some historical facts:
Krokodyl is a place which will put a smile on many Varsovian faces: it had a cult status many years ago, and was known for hosting splendid balls and dancing parties.
Krokodyl’s entrance stands out from all the others around it; guests pass through a Gothic double portal built at the beginning of the XVI century by Maciej Wilczek. Many years ago, there was also an entrance to the Krokodyl gastronomic complex downstairs in the building; this is gone, but even today, you will find a metal sign in the shape of a crocodile over the entrance. The cellars were home to a restaurant, decorated to resemble a Gothic inn, with the tables, stools and Venetian candles in huge iron candelabra complimenting the cellar walls and the convent-inspired raw brick cross-vault ceiling. On the ground floor was a coffee bar decorated with colourful figurines of the XVII century Old Town characters. There was a round ceramic stove decorated with green crocodile motifs, stylish furniture and authentic antique chandeliers and wall lights from the XVIII century¹. The designers of the original restaurant were architects Jerzy Bieńkowski, Krystyna Kognowicka and Zofia Krotkiewska.
One of the curiosities hidden behind Krokodyl’s walls is rare gift from Cuba's Fidel Castro. He visited the restaurant on June 6th 1972, and spent quite a bit of time desperately looking for a crocodile - until he found out from the staff that there was not on to be found anywhere on the premises. Some time passed and a present from Cuba arrived: a huge stuffed crocodile. Ever since then, Castro's gift has brought real delight to Krokodyl's visitors.
¹ ‘Historia kamieniczek na Rynku Starego Miasta’, Juliusz Pollack, Julian Żebrowski, Warszawa 1988.