One of Prague’s well-known international schools is undergoing a major transformation. Formerly known as Meridian, it has rebranded as Perrott Hill British School Prague, aligning itself with the respected Perrott Hill School in the UK.

But what does this change mean for students and parents? And how will the school position itself in Prague’s competitive international education market?

A Strategic Shift

Executive Headmaster Dr. Craig Wilson explains that the rebrand is more than a name change—it reflects a shift in approach. By joining the Perrott Hill Education group, which includes schools in the UK, Spain, and Lithuania, the Prague campus is moving into a more collaborative and resource-rich environment.

“This move allows us to maintain our high academic standards while benefiting from the support and expertise of a wider educational network,” Dr Wilson says. “It’s about strengthening our curriculum, broadening opportunities for students, and refining the overall experience for families.”

The school follows the National Curriculum of England, with small class sizes—capped at 16 students in Year 1 and 20 from Year 2 onwards—to ensure individual attention for students. With over 500 students from more than 50 nationalities, it remains one of the most diverse international schools in the Czech Republic.

Plans for Growth

Looking ahead, Dr Wilson envisions steady, sustainable development.

“We’re focused on change whichthe school can sustain without losing its strong sense of community,” he says. Some key priorities include:

• Expanding extracurricular activities, particularly in music, robotics, and competitive sports.
  
• Introducing instrumental music lessons, fostering talent and performance opportunities, and making lives easier for parents.
  
• Enhancing secondary education, with a modifiedcurriculum to better support students pursuing A-levels alongside .
  
• Strengthening sports programs, offering more competitive opportunities both locally and internationally.
  
• Upgrading facilities, with particular focus on the Primary and Secondary Schools and spaces for innovation and recreation.
  

While these developments aim to enhance the school, Dr Wilson stresses that its inclusive, family-oriented culture will remain intact. “We want to grow, but not at the expense of what makes us special.”

 

A Strong Foundation in Primary Education

While much of the school’s expansion focuses on secondary students, primary education remains a top priority. Parent feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of families stating they would recommend the school to others.

“We’re strengthening our English as a Second Language (ESL) support, recognizing that many of our students come from non-English-speaking backgrounds,” Dr Wilson says. “We also plan to expand our library and innovation lab, fostering literacy and creativity from an early age.”

Collaboration Across Schools

Being part of a larger education group opens up new opportunities for both students and staff.

For students, this means the potential for competitions in sports, arts, and public speaking, as well as the chance to participate in summer programs at Perrott Hill UK. Virtual collaborations with other schools in the network will also enhance the learning experience.

For teachers, shared resources and professional development opportunities will help refine teaching methods. “In my experience, schools thrive when they collaborate. Exchanging ideas across campuses strengthens everyone,” Dr Wilson notes.

What Stays the Same

Despite the changes, the school remains committed to being inclusive and welcoming to families from all backgrounds.

“What won’t change is our dedication to every student’s growth,” Dr Wilson says. “We support children with a range of ambitions—whether they’re aspiring to attend Oxford or MIT, or pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, the arts, or vocational fields. Our role is to help them find their path.”

With its new identity as Perrott Hill British School Prague, the institution aims to balance the best of both worlds: a close-knit community feel with the expanded opportunities that come from being part of an international education network.

As Dr Wilson puts it, “Our goal is simple—we want every student to thrive academically, socially, and personally, and to leave here ready for whatever future they choose.”

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The importance of “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” cannot be understated.

Set in 15th-century Bohemia, the title is steeped with accurate representations of buildings, towns, and castles from one of Czechia’s most historically significant regions.

When it launched early last month, the game became something of a phenomenon and quickly became one of the most-played single-player games on Steam.

According to Jan Pechač from LucyTours, the company has seen a rise in inquiries about its Kutná Hora tours, a key location in the game known as Kuttenberg.

While bookings haven’t surged yet, Pechač expects a sharp increase as spring and summer approach, when most tourists plan their trips. Interest is not limited to Kutná Hora—other historical sites like Trosky Castle ruins and Malešov Fort are also drawing attention.

Honza Pavelka from Czexperience confirms the trend, noting that the video game has sparked curiosity about Trosky Castle and Kutná Hora. He anticipates even greater demand as the main tourist season begins in April.

They also have partnered with the Kutná Hora municipality to launch an official Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 tour.

Lenka Lamačová from Premiant City Tour says they have updated tour descriptions to include references to the game’s story, while Real Prague Tours has updated information on two tours to highlight the connection to Warhorse Studios’ work.

Beyond tourism, the video game is making waves in Czechia in unexpected ways. One company recently hosted a medieval-themed feast to celebrate the game’s launch, and a local bank has even introduced special-edition virtual debit cards featuring in-game imagery.

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A five-meter-long, 800-kilogram glass skeleton, the largest of its kind in the world, is set to become the centerpiece of Prague’s Máj department store.

Crafted by master glassmakers in Železný Brod, the skeleton consists of 37 designed glass components, including a skull that alone weighs 200 kilograms.

The project, commissioned by the owners of Máj and their architects, took a year to bring from concept to reality. The renowned Lhotský Glass Studio led the effort, using cutting-edge techniques such as 3D modeling, wax molding, and sandstone casting.

“When they asked us if it was possible, we said, ‘Everything is possible,’” said Martina Kulhavá of Lhotský Glass Studio.

The team used a special type of glass called Banas Glass, chosen for its ability to handle large-scale sculpting. Each piece underwent an extensive process of sanding and polishing to achieve a deep blue hue, as requested by the project’s patrons.

Studio founder Zdeněk Lhotský described the process as extremely complex, using ancient casting techniques revived in the 20th century.

The skeleton will be installed in late March, suspended above a bar area using nearly invisible stainless steel cables.

The custom lighting system, developed by Artglass Studio in Jablonec nad Nisou, will enhance the sculpture’s ethereal appearance, making it seem as if it is floating in midair.

For the glassmakers of Železný Brod, this is yet another landmark project. Their past work includes a glass sarcophagus for the Danish royal family, one of the largest glass sculptures ever made at 4.5 tons.

 

 

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The focus is on Pilsner Urquell in four well-known restaurants: U Pinkasů, U Vejvodů, U Glaubiců, and Lokál U Bílé Kuželky.

These pubs are popular not only among tourists but also with local patrons.

While the cost of beer at U Vejvodů and U Glaubiců has remained unchanged since last year, Lokál U Bílé Kuželky—located near the Charles Bridge—has raised its price for a half-liter of draft Pilsner Urquell by five crowns.

Meanwhile, across the Vltava River, the historic U Pinkasů pub has implemented an even sharper increase of seven crowns per pint.

“We now charge 79 CZK for a 0.47-liter glass of Pilsner Urquell. The price was adjusted in May 2024 due to supplier price hikes, rising operational costs, energy expenses, inflation, and wage increases,” explained František Novotný, director of U Pinkasů.

According to restaurant manager Štěpán Bunzák, the price surge is also influenced by changes in VAT.

Where Is the Cheapest Pilsner?

At Lokál U Bílé Kuželky, a half-liter of Pilsner Urquell now costs 69 CZK. However, the most affordable beer among the four monitored establishments can be found at U Glaubiců, where a half-liter still costs 49 CZK—unchanged from last year.

Similarly, U Vejvodů continues to offer Pilsner Urquell for 57.90 CZK.

Will Beer Prices Rise Again?

Many pub owners across the country are now waiting to see if Plzeňský Prazdroj, the brewery behind Pilsner Urquell, will increase prices again in autumn.

Plzeňský Prazdroj last raised its prices in October 2023 but has not introduced any further increases since then—for both bottled and draft beer. However, the brewery clarified that final pricing in restaurants and shops is always determined by individual vendors.

“If beer prices have gone up in some pubs since autumn 2023, it’s not due to Prazdroj increasing prices,” noted brewery spokesperson Zdeněk Kovář.

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Václav Havel Airport Prague is gearing up for a busy summer season in 2025, with an expanded range of destinations and airlines.

From March 30 to October 25, passengers will have access to 165 destinations, served by 75 airlines. Travelers opting to fly with a travel agency are expected to increase by nearly 5 percent compared to last year.

Among the key additions are a direct connection to Toronto with Air Canada, a capacity boost on the Seoul route through Asiana Airlines, and a new direct flight to Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airways.

Additionally, Air Baltic will expand its short-haul services with a new route to Vilnius, restoring the link between Prague and all three Baltic capitals.

European connectivity will also be enhanced with a new Croatia Airlines route to Zagreb.

The summer schedule will see increased frequency and capacity on over 40 regular routes, including popular destinations such as Greece, Italy, and Turkey. On some routes, airlines will deploy larger aircraft, including the iconic Airbus A380 on the Dubai route.

“The summer schedule reflects the growing demand from travelers and the airlines’ capacity to increase flight availability and open new direct connections from Prague. We expect a record 18 million passengers this season. However, delays are still a possibility, and Prague Airport, in partnership with its airline partners, is actively working to minimize any disruptions,” said Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport.

New destinations include Zanzibar, and Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro

Croatia Airlines is strengthening its service to Croatia, offering direct flights not only to Zagreb, but also to Split and Dubrovnik. The airline will also enhance its capacity with larger aircraft and more frequent flights.

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After a year-long hiatus, Prague will once again have a direct air connection to Bordeaux, France.

Low-cost airline easyJet will introduce the new route, with the first flight scheduled for October 27.

The flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, using an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 186 passengers. Prague Airport is promoting the route as a gateway to France’s renowned wine region, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flights from Bordeaux to Prague will depart on Mondays at 10:50 AM and Fridays at 12:50 PM.

The return flights from Prague to Bordeaux are scheduled for Mondays at 1:40 PM and Fridays at 3:40 PM. Tickets are already available on easyJet’s website, with one-way fares starting at CZK 759.

The last airline to operate this route was Ryanair, which discontinued flights between Prague and Bordeaux in autumn 2023 when it removed Bordeaux from its network.

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Residents and visitors in Prague will have a rare chance to explore the ceremonial halls of Prague Castle—normally closed to the public.

The Office of the President of the Czech Republic, which oversees the castle complex, announced the special event on Tuesday.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 12. Visitors can enter from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM) through Matthias Gate (Matyášova brána). No reservations are required.

Guests will be allowed into the state rooms of the New Royal Palace, where the President of the Czech Republic meets foreign dignitaries and hosts high-level events. Access to these rooms is usually restricted—even to paying visitors.

Security Guidelines: To ensure smooth entry, organizers request visitors not to bring large backpacks, suitcases, or baby strollers, as these items will not be allowed inside.

Other Prague Castle Sites Open for Free

In addition to the ceremonial halls, visitors will be able to explore the following sites within the Prague Castle complex, which normally require a paid ticket:

• The Old Royal Palace
• St. George’s Basilica
• Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower
• St. Vitus Cathedral
• Rosenberg Palace
• The New Royal Palace

These locations will also be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM).

 

 

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The renowned Amsterdam-based hotel chain Sir Hotels has officially entered the Czech market, unveiling its first location in Prague on Monday.

The new hotel, situated in a historic building on Náplavní Street near the Dancing House, features 76 designed rooms spread across five floors.

Beyond its accommodation, Sir Prague offers guests an array of amenities, including a bar, a fully equipped gym, and a tower suite designed for guests seeking an exceptional stay.

The hotel also boasts a multifunctional library and a courtyard, enhancing the leisure experience.

A major highlight of the hotel is Seven North, a renowned Vienna-based restaurant making its Czech debut. This dining concept is known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

“Prague is a city with a soul unlike any other, and we are thrilled to become part of its vibrant hospitality scene,” said Christine Vespermann, CEO of Sir Prague.

The boutique hotel collection, founded in Amsterdam 12 years ago, has already established locations in Berlin and Barcelona, with further expansions planned for London and beyond.

The Prague location is housed in a neo-Renaissance building dating back to 1884, meticulously renovated to preserve its architectural heritage. The hotel’s interior design, created by renowned British designer Linda Boronkay, takes inspiration from Prague’s rich cultural and artistic history.

A Competitive Prague Hotel Market

The opening of Sir Prague is part of a broader wave of developments in the city’s hotel sector. At the end of March, the renovated InterContinental Prague is set to reopen as Fairmont Golden Prague after a four-year, multi-billion-crown renovation.

The R2G investment group, led by Oldřich Šlemr, Pavel Baudiš, and Eduard Kučera, acquired the hotel in 2018 for nearly six billion CZK and has since invested a total of ten billion CZK in its transformation. The revamped Fairmont Golden Prague will offer 320 rooms, apartments, and serviced residences.

Meanwhile, Prague’s luxury hotel market continues to evolve, with several major properties changing ownership.

Last year, the largest hotel in the Czech Republic, the Hilton Prague, was sold to Renáta Kellnerová, the country’s richest woman, for an estimated 300 million euros (7.5 billion CZK).

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Air pollution in Prague is worse than what the European Union (EU) allows and far beyond what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends.

According to data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), several locations in the capital have alarmingly high nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels.

Surprisingly, Prague performed worse in air quality measurements than Ostrava, a city traditionally associated with heavy industry.

While Ostrava met the EU’s NO₂ limits, Prague failed in most of the measured locations. Out of 17 traffic-heavy areas, only six complied with the EU’s air pollution standards.

Which Areas in Prague Have the Worst Air?

The EU’s legal limit for nitrogen dioxide stands at 40 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) of air. However, many places in Prague exceeded this limit by nearly 50%. The WHO’s guidelines are even stricter, recommending no more than 10 µg/m³—a level that Prague’s air quality falls far short of.

Some of the worst-affected locations include:

• Ječná Street – 58.0 µg/m³
• Plzeňská Street – 57.2 µg/m³
• Radlická and Klicperova – 50.7 µg/m³
• Ječná and Štěpánská intersection – 50.0 µg/m³
• Smetana Embankment near Novotný Bridge – 52.3 µg/m³

Other problematic locations include intersections at V Botanice (47.8 µg/m³), Želivského and Biskupcova (46.6 µg/m³), Spořilov (44.4 µg/m³), and Patočkova (44.4 µg/m³).

Experts Call for Urgent Solutions

Air quality specialists stress that the only way forward is to reduce traffic emissions and promote cleaner transport.

“The data clearly shows that without strong support for emission-free transport and the introduction of low-emission zones, we cannot improve air quality. Prague urgently needs measures to reduce car traffic, particularly in the historic center and around schools,” experts emphasize.

With the EU planning to lower its NO₂ limit to 20 µg/m³, the situation in Prague could become even more critical unless swift action is taken.

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For years, he has been playfully teasing the French with his sharp humor…

Paul Taylor, the most “Frenchy” British comedian, is embarking on a European tour with his new show, “F* Me, I’m French!”, where he dissects, with his usual wit, the absurdities of daily life as an Englishman living in France.

Paul Taylor is a British comedian who has been living in France since 2009.

His trademark is poking fun at the French and the French lifestyle, as well as at himself, by sharing his offbeat expat experiences, including linguistic misunderstandings and cultural mix-ups.

In 2016, he released his first bilingual show, “#FRANGLAIS,” to phenomenal success. He followed it up with his second and third shows, “So British (ou presque)” and “Bisoubye”.

With this trilogy of bilingual shows, Paul has captivated tens of thousands of spectators with sold-out performances in the most prestigious of venues in France and around the world.

Alongside his stage performances, Paul has also ventured into creating video content.

Spotted early in his career by the French TV channel Canal+, he developed and produced the hit TV show “WTF France,” which catapulted him into the limelight.

Paul’s online videos now have hundreds of millions of views, and he has over 1.5 million followers on  YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Info:

• Date: September 14, 2025
• Location: Rock Cafe, Prague
• Book your tickets here

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The Vltava Philharmonic, set to rise near the Vltavská metro station on Prague’s C Line, will cost an estimated 16.53 billion crowns (excluding VAT), according to documents approved by city councilors on Monday.

This figure includes not only the construction of the concert hall itself but also infrastructure upgrades in the surrounding area.

To help finance the project, the city has also approved the creation of an endowment fund to collect private and institutional contributions.

The construction of the philharmonic is projected to cost 11.65 billion crowns, with work scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion expected by 2032.

Multi-Phase Investment Plan

The project will be divided into ten separate investments, managed by the city’s investment and transport departments along with the Prague Public Transport Company. Beyond the 11.65 billion crowns allocated for the concert hall, an additional one billion crowns has been earmarked to cover operational costs.

The remaining budget will fund transport and public space improvements, including upgrades to roads, the Vltava embankment, and Vltavská metro station.

The Bjarke Ingels Group, a Danish architectural firm, is responsible for designing the Philharmonic after winning an international competition. Developing the project documentation alone will cost one billion crowns before taxes.

Transforming the area around the Philharmonic will require significant investments. The planned public space enhancements are expected to cost 410 million crowns (excluding VAT).

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Even during the cold winter months, construction on Prague’s Dvorecký Bridge, which will connect Podolí and Smíchov, has continued.

The complex concreting process is progressing despite low temperatures.

“Formwork, concrete, and prestressing reinforcement were recently installed on bridge span number three. This involved continuous concreting of approximately 1,000 cubic meters of concrete over 36 hours. To achieve this, two concrete pumps had to be positioned on pontoon assemblies in the Vltava River,” stated Metrostav TBR in its company magazine.

The final bridge span, number four, remains to be completed, which is scheduled to be concreted by late summer.

Cubist Shapes Make Construction Complex

The Dvorecký Bridge stands out due to its distinctive architectural design, requiring each concrete element to be precisely custom-made. The cubist-inspired structures change shape throughout the bridge, making every section unique.

Currently, around 150 workers are involved in the project. However, construction has faced significant delays due to unexpectedly complex geological conditions. Additionally, the supporting structure required more reinforcement than initially planned. As a result, the bridge’s completion date has been pushed to January 2026.

Tram and Bus Lines to Use the Bridge

Once finished, the bridge is expected to accommodate tram lines 2 and 20, along with selected bus routes. It will also become part of the city’s planned Tram Ring.

On the Podolí side, the bridge is already connected to the existing tram network, while work on the Smíchov connection is set to begin between April and May. The tram tracks will then be installed directly on the bridge’s supporting structure.

Project Costs and Design

The bridge construction contract was awarded to a consortium of Metrostav TBR, Firesta-Fišer, and Strabag for 1.075 billion CZK (excluding VAT).

Costs have since risen by approximately 10%, with the city approving an increase to 1.188 billion CZK. The bridge’s cubist design was created by architect Radek Šíma.

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