Hidden away in Śródka, Tam Gdzie Zawsze is the kind of neighbourhood bar every neighbourhood wishes it had: rotating craft beer, tapas, locals who know each other and absolutely no interest in becoming the Old Market Square.

The name — “Same Place As Always” — started as a joke.

“It had to be funny, but also stick in people’s heads.”

And it worked.

Behind the bar are 10 rotating beers, two wines on tap, another 20–30 beers in the fridge and around 15 alcohol-free options. For food? Sweet-chilli chorizo, stuffed cherry peppers and pinsa.

But right now, life on Śródka isn’t exactly easy.

Ongoing bridge works have reduced pedestrians and cyclists, and the frustration is obvious.

“We understand renovations are necessary, but the city could do more to support Śródka’s businesses. The lack of communication is shocking.”

Six months of warnings about a complete closure were followed, he says, by months of little visible activity and changing access.

“We have to pay taxes and that’s it.”

Speaking of taxes, what would he remove from running a bar forever?

“Taxes. But I know that’s impossible.”

Running a bar isn’t the permanent party people imagine.

“People think bartending is always a party, the margins are huge and the bills somehow pay themselves.”

Then there are the customers.

His funniest Google complaint?

“The owner doesn’t allow you to drink alcohol that wasn’t bought at the bar.”

Yeah. At a bar.

Despite the chaos outside, he believes Śródka still has something central Poznań can’t manufacture.

“It’s completely different from the Old Market Square. We have our own local community creating the atmosphere.”

For him, that’s the real magic of the neighbourhood.

“It feels like a small town where everyone is friendly. That’s Śródka’s greatest treasure.”

And what about the owner himself? Do people come for the beer or his personality?

“Modesty compels me to say it’s the great beer and food.”

Fair enough.

If you’re visiting for the first time, start local with a beer from Browar Za Miastem. And for anyone insisting they don’t like beer, he has a secret weapon: Belgian cherry sour Lindemans Kriek.

But really, visiting once isn’t the plan.

“Our goal is to make people always come back Tam Gdzie Zawsze.”

Touché.