Gabriela Poncová comes from the Polabí region near Nymburk, but she has had a close connection to the Vysočina Highlands and the Železné hory (Iron Mountains) since childhood. Part of her family lived near Skuteč, and it was this very area beneath Lichnice that later became the place where her interest in healthy cooking turned into a profession that delights visitors from near and far.
Her journey into cooking began with caring for her family. Due to a health issue affecting one of her sons, she became more interested in healthy nutrition, quality ingredients, and alternative methods of food preparation. Over time, she educated herself further, developed her own recipes, gave talks in community centres and libraries, and led cooking courses.
When her children grew up, an opportunity arose to purchase an old cottage dating back to the late 17th century in Podhradí, directly below the ruins of Lichnice Castle. A café had already been briefly operating there, and Gabriela Poncová decided to continue along this path. During the renovation,
original features such as a traditional black kitchen were uncovered, and old objects found in the attic now contribute to the café’s unique atmosphere.
The café’s signature product is pancakes made from fresh milk, eggs, and spelt flour. To ensure freshness, they are prepared only after being ordered. They are filled with curd cheese and raspberries, and topped with toasted almond flakes, icing sugar, freshly whipped cream, and a topping according to the current offer. The café also serves buckwheat pancakes and, where possible, caters to people with food intolerances.
Since the spring certification in 2026, the producer has been authorised to label her products with the “IRON MOUNTAINS Regional Product” certificate.
The café in Podhradí is a place people return to for pancakes, coffee, tranquillity, and the view from the outdoor terraces above the ravine. If you are looking for an honest homemade dessert in the region beneath Lichnice, be sure to visit Gabriela Poncová in Podhradí.
Contact
Gabriela Poncová Kavárna Zahrádka v Podhradí
Podhradí 11, 538 43 Třemošnice
phone: +420 603 220 419
zahradkavpodhradi@gmail.com
