László Kozma, Owner, The British Store in Budapest

  • 8 Apr 2010 12:00 PM
László Kozma, Owner, The British Store in Budapest
László Kozma is owner of The British Store in Pest's District XIII. However László is native Hungarian, he is huge admirer of British culture, and culinary.

The British Store webshop was launched in 2008 with home delivery service in Budapest, and courier service all over the country.

Due to significant demand for British products in Budapest, László opened his physical shop in 2009 in Tatra utca, only 5 minutes walk from Nyugati, Lehel or Jászai Mari tér.

Inside British Store you'll find plenty of food and drink from Britain. Chief among these are a wide range of teas, snacks, biscuits, chocolate, meat pies, baked beans, traditional foods, as well as a selection of juices, ciders and other alcoholic delights.

1. Where did you grow up?
In a charming city, Györ, called the 'city of rivers'.

2. What Hungarian traditions bring back fond memories of your childhood?
As a child I used to admire the world of farewells, which is a traditional ceremony in every village in Hungary. I was also big fan of circuses. I do recall being able to read before I finished kindergarten, so I could read circus advertisements in the city. My parents had no excuses, I wanted to watch every single show.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
Friends and family aside, I would miss my favourite football club, the food and the feeling like I'm home and I belong.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
If they are into arts and culture, I would recommend to visit traditional movie theatres like Puskin, Muvesz, Toldi or Urania.
I think they would be impressed. They must also visit A38, a huge old ship that used to lug coal up and down the Danube.
Hosting various nights, from electro to ska beats to contemporary indie and guitar-orientated music, the crowd attracted is a good mix.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
It has to be Kürtös Kalács (Stove Cake) for me. Master of making and old recipes can be found in lot of towns of Hungary.

6. What is never missing from your kitchen?
Fruits.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
Szigetköz, which is surrounded by the rivers Danube and the Mosoni-Danube. It's called "the gift of the Danube".

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
A football player, but I would need to have skills too... :)
 

9. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Pathologist.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Bristol.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Maybe in Italy.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
The Smiths. Morrissey.
Reservoir Dogs. Fawlty Towers.
I was cultivating cactuses.

13. What can't you resist?
My favourite band is coming to town.

14. Red wine or white?
Cider.

15. Kolbász or szalámi?
Kolbász.

16. Book or movie?
Rather movies and series.

17. Morning person or night person?
I'm a morning person, I think it's my biological clock. Anyway, i could get up early from staying up late.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Homeless population in Budapest.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest side. XIII and XIV. district.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Nature is a language - can't you read?

  • How does this interview make you feel?