nother former Eastern-Bloc country where, in the interests of the free market and capitalism, the brewing industry has been sold off piecemeal to whichever multinational put in the least derisory bid.  Brewpubs are relatively unknown - although the Spiż and Bierhalle chains are growing rapidly through the south - but, on a downwards note, many local brewers have closed in recent years. 

There is now a promising revival of micro breweries and let's hope many more open in the next few years and it certainly seems as if the country is finding an appetite for craft brewing albeit not with the same fervency as seen across the border in Czech!  There's time, however, now all they need are some more interesting micros!  The Degustatornia bars in the Trojmiasto in Northen Poland are showing that people actually want good beer and I hope to see them continue to expand; on their showing recently, they need to!

Reports are online from the following:

• Wrocław

• Poznañ

• Kraków and Katowice

• Gdańsk (gen updated 30/04/2010)

• Helen's report on Wroclaw