Pivnitsa is hidden beneath one of Astana’s main bridges under the Radisson. Accessed at ground-level the interior is typical Czech cellar bar and a large wooden terrace overlooks the river. As the name suggests – ‘piva’ means beer – this is a cosy, drinks ‘n’ eats tavern. Chunky wooden furniture and sturdy iron candelabras on the tables set the tone, only topped off by the outfitted serving girls pulling pints behind the solid-wood bar. Beer food – namely steaks and BBQ – is available for soaking-up the large lagers. Pickles, crackling and cold meats make for tempting starters; Eastern European staples such as ‘smoked knee’ make up the menu of mouthwateringly large mains. Come hungry – and indeed thirsty.