Inn at Three Ponds

The Inn at Three Ponds, a name that evokes nostalgia and memories of walks in the City Park among Maribor residents, has been lonely for far too long. Despite its status as the oldest inn in the city, dating back to 1825, and its legendary location by idyllic ponds, this historic building is now permanently closed. This is not just a story of a failed business; it is a story of a lost piece of the city's soul, leaving a void in the heart of Maribor's most popular green haven.

The legacy and splendor of the past

The history of this inn is closely intertwined with the development of Maribor. For almost two hundred years, it was a gathering place for townspeople, families at Sunday lunch and travelers seeking refreshment in the shade of the trees. It was also known to locals as "Pri Kličku", after the family that ran it in the 20th century, which testifies to its deep importance to the local community. Its location has never been controversial; in fact, it has been its greatest asset. It is located at the end of the renovated promenade that invites walkers from the city center to the peace of the park, and represents a natural gateway to the popular Pyramid. Visitor reviews, although rare, consistently emphasize just that - "a great location", which offered a unique ambiance.

An ambiance that is hard to beat

Imagine a warm summer afternoon on the spacious outdoor terrace , overlooking the calm surface of the ponds and lush greenery. This was the experience offered by Gostilna Pri treh ribnikih. The photos testify to a carefully arranged environment that invited relaxation. The interior maintained a touch of tradition, creating a feeling of homeliness. One of the reviews mentions "friendly staff", which shows that the catering offer was once comprehensive and included warm human contact in addition to the location. In its best days, the restaurant was famous for its offer, which was based on traditional Slovenian cuisine , upgraded with modern approaches. The emphasis was on local ingredients and a rich selection of Styrian wines, which provided visitors with an authentic culinary experience.

Reasons for the collapse and the bitter present

Despite all the advantages, the reality today is different. The "permanently closed" status is the result of several factors and long-standing problems. The history of the pub is full of changes of tenants and owners, which shows that an idyllic location in itself is not a guarantee of business success. In 2020, the building was taken over by the municipal company Mestne nepremičnine, which was supposed to ensure its preservation and development, but the story only got more complicated. After the resignation of the long-term tenant in 2022, the pub remained empty.

The opinions of the few visitors from the last period of operation are divided. The average rating of 3.8 stars based on a very small number of reviews shows that the experience was not always at the highest level. While some praise the location, others point out shortcomings. The comment that "only drinks were available" suggests that in the latter stages it may have lost its status as a full-fledged restaurant and operated more like a snack bar, which certainly disappointed those who expected a full culinary offer . The most telling experience is the experience of a visitor who wrote: "Unfortunately we could not have a drink because it was closed, it's a shame there is nothing to quench your thirst anywhere." This perfectly sums up the frustration of many - in one of the most beautiful spots in the city, you can't even get a glass of water.

Unsuccessful resuscitation attempts

In recent years, there have been several attempts to find a new tenant, but all tenders have been unsuccessful. In the summer of 2023, it briefly came to life under the leadership of a well-known wine expert, but this was only a temporary flash. The tenant admitted that there was a visit in the summer, but the heating costs in the winter would be too high, and at the same time he emphasized that guests were asking for food, for which the kitchen was not adequately equipped. This reveals the deeper problems of the facility, which clearly needs a thorough renovation in order to be able to offer a modern catering offer . There have even been ideas about transforming it into a learning center or protocol facility, but there is no concrete and long-term solution in sight for now.

The future is in question

The Pri treh ribnikih Inn is currently a sad monument to untapped potential. Although the municipality assures that the facility is regularly maintained, the closed establishment in the heart of the park is a black spot that spoils the image of the city. For potential customers, both locals and tourists, this is a great loss. With its closure, the city park has lost its only real restaurant , where visitors could enjoy a pleasant dinner or Sunday lunch in the embrace of nature. There is hope that one day an investor with the vision and funds will be found to restore this Maribor icon to its former glory. Until then, Trije ribniki will remain just a silent witness to former times and a reminder of how quickly even the oldest light in the city can go out.