Vydrica is coming alive. The well-known grocery chain Yeme has opened its newest store close to the Vodná veža (Water Tower) cultural monument. The concept, built on fresh, local, artisanal products from domestic farmers and producers, has an area of almost 600 m². In addition to high quality food, YEME also has a bistro and artisanal bakery. Access to the store is from Žižkova Street and also directly from the VYDRICA PARKING underground garage, which is accessible to the public. New residents and diverse attractive civic amenities are moving to Vydrica.
The new YEME store is a long-awaited addition to the high-quality food offerings for all local residents. As the well-known ethnologist and historian Katarína Nádaská explained during the grand opening, the new YEME has come to an appropriate place, as Vydrica has been a place where trade and crafts developed since the early Middle Ages.
“The new YEME grocery store is located in a historically important area for us Bratislava residents and visitors to the city. Vydrica is a district with an immensely rich history, and today we are witnessing its rebirth. The entire castle area was effectively an independent town until 1848, with its own mayor, town council, and churches. Trade and business flourished here. In Vydrica, until its demise, there was a brewery, and many prominent craftsmen lived here. For example, the famous Habermann baker family, whose specialty was the production of crispbreads,” said Katarína Nádaská. The Vydrica project is reviving the heritage of older times when Bratislava’s DNA was being formed.
Royal Blue Store
The Yeme store has brought a unique concept of urban groceries with innovative architectural design and visual solutions to Vydrica. The 585 m² store space is decorated in royal blue, which adds elegance and exclusivity to the overall design. The atmosphere is complemented by paintings from the DOT gallery in the café, which reference the artistic spirit of the former Vydrica. The overall design of the tiles, aisles, and architecture of the store draws from the unique environment of the new district, on a site with a rich history.
Yeme is unique in Slovakia in that each location has its own sourdough bakery, and Vydrica is no exception. “There is a traditional artisanal bakery in the store, and we will bake hot crispy bakery products several times a day, as in every Yeme store,” stated Dada Skalníková, Yeme’s communication and marketing manager. In addition, Yeme will delight its visitors in Vydrica with a wide selection of their own products, supplemented by artisanal specialties from Slovakia, Italy, and other countries. Customers can shop for fresh and high quality food right in the heart of the new district in a modern store from 7:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
Food Delivery in Vydrica and Personal Shopper
“Our suppliers are small, family, and artisanal producers, growers, and farmers who put their heart and soul into producing high quality, wholesome, sustainable food. We have products suitable for vegetarians, vegans, for people with various intolerances, and award-winning foods. Our customers are mainly looking for Slovak products from authentic Slovak producers and farmers, and above all organic products and eco-quality,” said Peter Varmuža, founder of the grocery chain, who is convinced that Yeme and Vydrica belong together.
The YEME concept began in 2016, when the first store of flavourful foods opened on Tomášikova Street in Bratislava. Today, YEME employs around 400 people and operates seven stores – six in Bratislava and one in Nitra.
In the new establishment in Vydrica, YEME wants to bring urban food production closer to customers. It will also provide rapid delivery of meals from the bistro or bakery to homes and offices. Vydrica residents can also make use of the personal shopper service.
Living City Within a City
Vydrica is gradually fulfilling its vision of becoming a complete urban district that organically connects history with the needs of a modern lifestyle. The first phase of Vydrica includes 207 apartments, 257 parking spaces, and 19 retail establishments with a total area of more than 3,000 m². In the next phases, scheduled for completion in 2028 and 2029, there will be more apartments, office spaces, and retail establishments. This new district below Bratislava Castle will create a living city within a city, where residents will have everything they need within easy reach.
