GERMANY

including,MUNICH, BAMBERG, DUSSELDORF, COLOGNE,  BERLIN and DORTMUND.

Whilst lager brewing began in the Czech Republic, it’s the Germans who make the beer style popular by the end of the 1900's. Inside Germany, beer is brewed to a beer purity law called Reinheitsgebot, which means the beers are of a high standard.

Although lager is the common beer in Germany, there are cities and areas which have their own beers, drinking traditions, and styles - like Cologne with its Kolsch beers, Dortmund with its Export beers, Bamberg with its Smoked beers, Berlin with its Weisse beers and Dusseldorf with its Altbiers.

In October 2003 Stuart and I managed to visit 3 of the most interesting areas for beer drinking in Germany; Munich, Bamberg and Dusseldorf. In June 2004, I managed to get to Cologne, and in April 2005 I managed to get to Berlin. Here are the results!

MUNICH

Munich is capital city of the Bavaria region of Germany. The Bavaria region has the most number of breweries in Germany; ( over 750 of Germany's 1300 breweries are here). Bavaria also has the biggest beer consumption, per person, in Germany. The large beer halls, big beer gardens in the summer, and people enjoying good beer are all images of Bavaria which are true.

Munich has 6 breweries, all producing some good beers, and some great pubs. As well as the city centre pubs, we have listed some pubs a short train ride outside the city centre, which are not so touristly.

The beer tents of the Oktoberfest - usually the last two weeks in SEPTEMBER -are a great beer drinking experience, but make sure you book rooms well in advance, as you won't find any rooms in Munich during festival week.

Before leaving for Munich make sure you buy 'The Beer Drinkers Guide to Munich' by Larry Hawthorne. You can buy it at this site http://www.beerdrinkersguide.com/

It is a indispensable guide to pubs and beer gardens in all parts of Munich, with lots of useful information (including maps and nearest railway stations to the pubs) for us beer drinkers.

CITY CENTRE

Altes Hackerhaus,

Senderlinger Str 75

A nice quiet upmarket place owned by Hacker-Pschorr, which has lots of antiques and interesting bric-a-brac, including some interesting history of the Hacker- Pschorr brewery. Lots of different rooms; there is a small beer garden around the back. Low lighting makes for a cosy atmosphere Don't worry about the tablecloths-it's okay to have a drink here!

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

Olde worlde place with several different seating areas. Our second visit confirms this to be a great drinkers' pub. A central beer garden with a u shaped bar. We had a beer and apfle sappe ( apple juice ) to settle our stomachs. Efficient service close to the centre.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Augustiner Gaststatte,

Neuhaser str 16

Flagship pub owned by Augustiner brewery, in a good central location. Nice traditional feel to the place, with lots of little alcoves and some excellent beer. On our last visit here in 1996 we met some Bayern Munich fans ( see picture ) on their way to a European match. The pub is large, but does still have a relaxed feel to it.

John 9/10 visit Oct 2003

A boisterous place with a multitude of drinking areas. Vault ceilings and dark panelled walls. The service is efficient but severe. Last time we were here it was full of Bayern Munich supporters.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Donisl,

1 Wein str

A pub with a lot of different drinking areas. The place has a modern wood panelling feel, but the atmosphere is traditional. Also has an upstairs area to look down on everyone, which is the best place to sit. Pub has lost the stand-up area, on the right side, since my last visit. Also seems to be more into food

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

A two storey affair - we found this out when we went to the Gents! A split level bar. Interesting paintings on the wall. Food and beer available all day. A great local right in the city centre.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Hofbrauhaus,

Platzi 9

The most famous of all beer halls - now a little over-run by tourists, but still a great place. Every overseas visitor's image of what a German beer hall should look like. Still visited by the locals, who know where to get a good beer. Menu in different languages, and beer souvenirs at the front. A large pub seating over 2,000 people, but you won't find a seat on a Saturday night just move up on the benches and sing along. Where the world comes to party-join in!

John 9/10 visit Oct 2003

The biggest beer party in the world. Massive interior, a tourist trap but magnificently over the top. The archetypal beer hall. Minimum order is 1 litre. It's full of all nationalities' food served as well. Try the Weisee Wurst but take off the polythene skin first!

Stuart 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Mathaser Bierstadt,

Bayer str 5

Whilst the Hofbrauhaus is the more famous beer hall, this place is larger, with seating for 5,000 people! Whilst this place also attracts tourists, it is bawdier and more down-to-earth. An oompah band plays in the centre, and, for a small fee, will let you have the baton! It was fun watching one pissed Japanese tourist try it! Close to the main station.

John 8.5/10 visit Sept 1996

Massive beer hall with its own chunder sinks. Apparently the Germans use these when they need to make more space for beer. In fact some of the beer-guts were impressive. We never did find the sinks, as there were half a dozen gents' in the place, all big enough to hold a market in! The Japanese loved it! 

Stuart 8/10 visit Sept 1996

Sadly this beer hall is now closed. Being a big site by the city's main railway station made it a prime location for developers. . _________________________________________________________________________

Nurnberger Bratwurst Glocki,

Frauenplatz 9

Nice, cosy pub around the back of the cathedral, which gives it a kind of back-street local feel. This is not a big breweries' showpiece pub, like some in the centre of Munich. The beer comes from wooden barrels from the back bar; if you have nowhere to sit, try there. A few snacks including Nuremberg sausage, which the pub is named after and which you see being grill or set fired to in the kitchen!. Beware of short measures here, and do what the locals do-return back to the bar.

John 9/10 Oct 2003

A reliable traditional bar by the kitchen. John and I had roast Bratwurst and Sauerkraut. Lovely mixed with German mustard The kitchen seemed to be on fire - but that's how they cook the sausages!

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Weisses Brauhaus,

Tai 10

Whilst I am not a great fan of wheat beer, this pub serves the excellent Schneider wheat beer on draught which I could drink all night!. If not, there are some Kameliten beers on draught which are also good. Nice traditional place with the bar in the middle of the pub and more seating room around the back. Lovely etched-glass windows at the front of the pub.

John 9/10 visit Oct 2003

This place serves the best wheat beer in the world. The waitresses have seen better days and the old net curtains have been removed. It no longer brews on the premises. There is loads of food available. A boisterous atmosphere !

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

____________________________________________________________________

EAST MUNICH

Hofbrau Keller,

Inner Wiener Str 19

A large pub, there was a fair amount of people in on our visit, but you still feel it's half-empty! It's only when you go down to the toilets and see other rooms, you realise what a big pub this is! Green and white décor throughout the pub. Large beer garden on the side of the pub. To me the Hofbrau beers tasted better here than in the Hofbrauhaus. The tourists visit the Hofbrauhaus, the locals here.

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

The less touristy outlet for the Hofbrauhaus. You wont find loads of Japanese tourists here. Its location means you get the authentic Hofbrauhaus experience sans the commercialism. A wide selection of food compliments the beer.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Paulaner Keller,

Hoch Str 77

This is a fair walk from any transport connections, but it's worth the effort to make a visit. Not too many tourists get to find this pub. New pub, but done out in a traditional way. As with most German pubs, this takes up a lot of space. Copper above the bar and beer bottles about the side. As it's Paulaner try their famous Salvator beer. The river Isar is across the road.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

Right by the river this is a modern place. More wood panelling and tiled floor. It seems a bit up-market, but it is not. More for the older clientele. The Salvator is the beer to go for.

Stuart 8//10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

NORTH MUNICH

Haus der 111 Biere,

Franz Str 3

The house of 111 beers, as well as 8 on draught! This pub gives the drinkers of Munich a chance to sample beers from all around the world, in a city dominated by 6 big breweries. Small modern pub with low lighting, and various beer memorabilia around the place, including neon light beer signs. The choice means higher prices. Close to Munchener Freiheit station, on the U3 or U6 line.

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

A trip to the North of the city centre. Definitely worth a visit and it does what it says on the tin ! Although all but 9 of the beers are served from a bottle. The ceiling is adorned with blue foil. Wooden walls and a tiled floor. The odd snack is also served.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Max-Emanuel Brauerei

Adabert str 33

Big pub along a road with apartment buildings. White walls, low lighting and tiled floor. TV screen in the corner showing football Germany V Iceland-creating a lively atmosphere. Big beer garden around the back for 700 people in the summer.

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

Get off the train at the Universatt. This side street bar serves Lowenbrau - beer and wheat beer. A large sports screen at one end of the room busy with locals watching Germany v Iceland in the Euro qualifiers. The wheat beer was stunning with an acidic after-taste.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Schelling Salon

Schelling str 54

The exterior is a elegant five story building. The interior is elegant as well. The pub has 10 pool tables, all close together. This must be the most classiest pool hall in the world! As well as pool, the locals seen to like cards and chess as well. Friendly bar service. Hitler used this place, before he came to power. Until a unpaid bar bill! Bet there were no pool tables then!

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

This is where Adolf Hitler left without paying his bar bill. I have never seen so many pool tables, 10 in all. The beer is available in various measures 0.25l upwards. The barmaid was fascinated by our beer travels but insisted on talking in English to us. A locals' pub with food served as well.

Stuart 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

SOUTH MUNICH

Forschungsbraustuberf,

Unterachingstr 76, Perlach

Opening times,

Closed Mondays, please telephone to check if open. We are not sure if this pub closes in the winter.

Tel 089-6701169

Getting there

Only pub away from the city centre; take the S-bahn line 1 to Perlach, turn left out of the station, along a country path, turn left at the end of the path over the level crossing, do the first right-turn after the crossing, at the end of the road turn right; on your left hand side around 70 to 100 yards.

The outside is a modern structure, but inside is a lot more cosy, with a nice family atmosphere. Modern decor with a fair amount of wood-panelling. There is a small beer garden at the front of the pub. Home brew pub the two beers - Pilsissimus Export and St Jakobus Pale Bock - served in litre and half-litre earthenware mugs - are excellent. The toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen! and the pub is spotless as well! Worth the trip for somewhere different to go, and for the great beer.

John 9.5/10 visit Oct 2003

Our second visit was as good as the first. The airport control tower of a brewery is magnificent. The nearest station is Perlach. They now sell ½ litre measures as well as 1 litre. Progress ? The beer is served in stoneware jugs. A variety of food is available. Two seating areas and a beer garden. The cleanest toilets in the world !

Stuart 9.5/10 visit Oct 2003

________________________________________________________________________

WEST MUNICH

Augustiner Keller,

Arnulf Str 52

Maybe we visited this pub at the wrong time of the year, for it has a large impressive beer garden, which must be nice in the summer. Inside is pleasant with standard German pub décor of white walls, wooden beams, and wooden tables and chairs. Interesting paintings on the wall. A nice drinking experience. Close for Hauptbahnhof rail station, most lines go through this station.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

A massive beer garden leads you to a wood-dominated bar. Wooden chandeliers and a bierstuben. A place to relax.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Lowenbrau Keller,

Nymphenburger str 2

Just one railway stop, out of the city centre ( Stiglmaier Platz, line U1, one minute walk ). The pub, beer garden and the Lowenbrau brewery at the back, all takes a fair amount of space. Traditional German pub décor in the large pub, with white walls, wooden tables and chairs, and some etched-glass windows. Nice cosy and relaxed atmosphere for a Sunday afternoon.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

On the corner of two busy roads. The impressive beer hall is worth a visit. Nice stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling. Green and red tiles on the floor. We visited on Sunday and it was full of families and children enjoying the lunch time session. The beer is served in 0.25l measures. Remarkable for Munich but you can order lager if you want !

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

BAMBERG

Whilst Munich is in Southern Bavaria, only an 2 hour 15 minute train ride from Munich is Bamberg, the leading city in Northern Bavaria region which is called Franconia. Bamberg is only a city of 70,000 people, but has 9 home brew-pubs!

Bamberg and the Franconia area has the large density of breweries in the world, with many small villages or towns, sometimes having two or three brew-pubs. This was what it was like in most of Europe some 160 years ago, before railways and other transport links. For some reason ( maybe local pride in a excellent product? ) it is still like this today; for how long is anybody's guest? Visit while you can.

While only two of Bamberg's brew-pubs do the smoked beer, they are some excellent beers in the another pubs. Most pubs in Bamberg do a Kellerbier, a traditional beer with a high hop content and no pressure, usually served in a earthenware jug. Well worth a try.

The price of beer here is a lot cheaper than Munich, only 1.90 Euros (£1.50) for a half-litre! Good beer, low prices and good pubs what more can you ask for!

Bamberger Weissbierhaus,

Obere Konigstrasse 35

A pub on a street with two brew pubs. Comfortable sort of place, which seems to be into serving a lot of food. A two room pub the first room was full. The second back room has a impressive orange ceiling and old photos of Bamberg with a horse theme. Lively atmosphere.

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

Along the road from the Spezial. This is a hotel as well as a pub. Interesting panelling on the ceilings and a vaulted ceiling at the back. The St Michals Bay Dunkel is the one to go for. The waitress carries trays full of beer effortlessly !

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Eulenspiegel

Ober Brucke 10,

Right by the Rathaus (town hall) by the bridge. Situated in a tiny cobbled street it was more of a café but still very good. A narrow / long room adorned by puppets. The dark panelling has mirrors set in it. Try the St Georgen Kellerbier. It was nice to see old ladies enjoying themselves, rather uncommon in old Blighty pubs. There is a small seating area on the street outside.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

A pub on a bridge, which is a little bit of a tourist trap. This is why you are paying 2.30 Euros for a beer instead of 1.90 Euros- outrageous ! Long narrow pub, with low lighting and pictures and mirrors on the wall. Nice cosy sort of place, with mainly older clientele. Stuart and I are amazed at the amount of older ladies who come in and drink beer in Bamberg pubs-more power to their elbows! Try the St Georgen Kellerbier. Friendly staff.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Fassla,

Obere Konigstrabe 19-21

Brew pub

Another Bamberg brew pub, this one is opposite the Spezial. To have two so close together is great!. Like the Spezial, this brew pub also does accommodation. Standard German pub décor, lively atmosphere at the end of the evening, with the locals enjoying themselves. Good beer.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

A very large building with plenty of seats inside. It is however outshone by the Spezial.

Stuart 6/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Greifenklau

Laurenziplatz 20

Brew pub

A long walk up one of Bamberg's 7 hills. The brewery has only been here since 1719! A single lager Bier plus a bock when in season. A friendly locals pub with yet more wood panelling, floors and tables. The lager Bier is a bit bland but drinkable. Because of the walk you do not get tourists here.

Stuart 7/10 visit Oct 2003

A fair walk out of the centre ( about 15 minutes ) and up a hill! Home brew pub which just brews for this pub and no where else. Only one beer brewed, but by English lager standards it's a good beer! Good locals atmosphere giving it a friendly feel. Good find.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________
Gastsatte Hofbrau,

Karolinenstrabe 7

Nice cosy sort of pub. Low lighting, red tablecloths, candles on the table and a relaxing atmosphere. Pub will be remembered for me accidentally sending fire to the menu with a candle, and Stuart playing the pub's piano! Two Americans sitting next to us-Ben and Becky will remember this!

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

John set light to the menu! An American couple sitting in the corner and a piano by the toilets. The food looked okay but the Japanese tourists were none too happy.

Stuart 6/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Kachelofen,

Obere Sandstr 1

Try St Georgen brew. This is a bit of a restaurant and don't try to sit in the stubel. The beer is very hoppy. \The service is swift and you can sit by the bar and beer served stoneware kruggs

Stuart 7/10 visit Oct 2003

Really a restaurant,;with no seats free we sat at the bar. The barman was impressive with us ordering the St Georgen Kellerbier. You must try this beer, it's a great brew. Beer served in earthenware jugs. Worth visiting for the beer, the food looked nice as well.

John 7/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________
Keesmann,

Wunderburg 5

Brew pub

A 10 minute walk out of the centre rewards you with two brew pubs in the same street! Keesmann has the standard German pub décor of wooden tables and chairs and wood panelling. Try the Sterna lager-it is a unfiltered lager, and is excellent. Visited this pub at 11-30, and there was at least 10 people already in the pub! Well it was open at 09-00!

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

A 20 minute walk from the centre of town. We entered at 11.30 and there were business men having a meeting. A couple of locals at the Stammtisch. The interior is panelled in beech. The brewery serves unfiltered Dunkel and a Bock.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Klosterbrau

Obere Muhlbrucke 1-3

Brew pub

The Schwartzbier is dark as expected and quite unusual in taste. This pub is the brewery tap which opened in 1988. As you enter the building the bar is on the right. Dark wood panelling with white upper walls and a wood floor. Old B&W pictures adorn the walls. The toilets were a bit of a let down for Germany!

Stuart 7/10 visit Oct 2003

Lovely exterior on a cobbled street. Take the right door to get into this pub. Traditional decor in this upmarket place, with old photos on the wall. Quiet atmosphere-just us and two locals! Try the Schwartzbeir if you fancy trying something different. This city centre pub is not easy to find, even with the tourist maps!

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Mahrs Brau,

Wunderburg 10

Brew pub

Most of Bamberg's brew pubs you tend not to see the brewery. Here you get to see the brewery, including a beer shop next door to the pub, and barrels around the side. Genuine old atmospheric pub with low beams and old photos on the wall. Warm and cosy atmosphere unlike the corridor outside, where people were standing up drinking- this a Bamberg tradition! It was too cold outside for Stuart and me! Great pub, worth the walk out.

John 9/10 visit Oct 2003

A short walk along the street from the Keesmann. The pub has a brewery shop attached. The wonderful interior of the pub is unspoilt and it was full of locals. Dark wool panelling and old photographs on the wall. In the centre of the room was an old log burner, which kept the place very warm. The beer was average.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Maisel Keller,

Moostrasse 32

Out of the city centre and beyond the railway. A very new look inside with pine boards instead of stained beech. The brewery is nearby. The extensive food menu included Nuremberger sausage and Sauerkraut. Many people eating during lunch time - always a good sign.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003

A way out to the North of the centre in the suburbs. Which means there is room for a beer garden! Inside the décor is recent, with new chairs and tables and various bric-a-brac above the bar. Needs to have that lived-in feel. Menu was reasonably priced, might be because it's away from the centre. On our visit a few Americans seem to have found this pub. Try the excellent Maisel Kellerbier.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________
Reichelbrau,

Judenstr 5

A mixture of a pub, winebar and restaurant with consequently higher prices.
A big selection of beer and food. I had Jagerschnitzel, pomme frites and salat ( Stuart trying out his German-John ) which was superb. Vaulted ceiling and yet more wooded floors and walls. The most expensive pub we found but worth a try. We had Radler, by mistake ! It's a strange orange-tasting beer. A shandy basically ---argghh!

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

Open 18-00 hours. More into food than drink. Kulmbacher beer, the beer we had tasted of orange! Food and beer was expensive for Bamberg, even for the city centre. Nothing special here.

John 5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Schlenkerla

Dominikanerstrasse 6

Brew pub

The other Rauchbier brew pub in Bamberg. Bottled beer is available in the UK. A sagging timber building. Cosy interior with wood panelling and locals consuming food which you can bring in yourself and eat up to 18.00 hours. John and I met a great Irish beer drinker. The Rauchbier was stronger in flavour than in the Spezial which I preferred. Fast efficient service. You MUST visit !

Stuart 9/10 visit Oct 2003

A nice timber framed building in the city centre. Rows of wooden tables and chairs, old photos and pictures on the wall create a very atmospheric pub. Wooden barrel on the bar serving the pub's smoked beer which is well worth drinking. Friendly Irish guy Dave ( are you reading this Dave?) and locals added to the visit. Closed on Tuesdays.

John 9.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Spezial,

Ober Konigstraase 10

Home brew pub

This pub brews a excellent smoked beer, which is it's specially. Rows of tables, wood panelled walls with old photos, and beams. This all makes for a good beer in a good pub. Drinkers are mainly older, including women drinking their half litre smoked beer- more power to their elbows! We revisited this pub in the evening, it was busy with people supporting their local brewery by drinking the beer! The pub does rooms which are reasonably priced ( 50 euros for a double, 30 euros for a single ) and are good value- we know, because we have stayed there! Classic pub.

John 10/10 visit Oct 2003

Bamberg is a wonderful city! It is, in fact, paradise. Special is a jewel in the crown. The brew pub has been here since 1536, the same as some of the regulars! It offers 7 room accommodation, very reasonably priced at 45 euro a night each for 2 sharing. The bar reminds me of an Oxbridge dining room, with rows of narrow tables and newly-sanded table tops. Rauchbier , Lagerbier unfiltered, a Marzen and a Weissbier. The service is stern but efficient. The food looks very good and the locals indulging included a group of grannies supping the Rauchbier ! A separate Stuben for the locals and lodgers and a further room for overflow.

Stuart 9/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Sternla

Langestrasse 46

This is the oldest pub in Bamberg. In the city centre, with so many the other good traditional pubs in Bamberg, this pub is a little bit of a let down. To be fair it was a very quiet Monday evening when we visited, and nothing was happening. The Kellerbier we had was good.

John 6.5/10 visit Oct 2003

The chef was drinking rather than cooking ! Kellerbier was mediocre but served in Knuge and not much of an atmosphere.

Stuart 6/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Tambosi

Promenadestrasse 11

Very much a locals' pub catering for the older drinker. Try the Schesslitz bay Kellerbier. The food is reputed to be good and cheap. Its fairly modern inside with a red tiled floor and white walls. The Kellerbier is unfiltered and lower in gas than normal German beer.

Stuart 7/10 visit Oct 2003

City centre pub close to the bus station. Standard pub décor of white walls, wooden floor, and tables. While nothing special, it did have a good regulars' feel to it, from the mainly older clientele. Beers from Schmiitt, try the Kellerbier-again!

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

DUSSELDORF

Dusseldorf is famous for its Altbier, which means old beer. It looks and tastes a little like an English real ale, fresh and served with no gas. As well as various breweries producing this style around Dusseldorf, there are also four home-brew pubs which are listed below, all of which have a wooden barrel on the bar. Quarter litre glasses ( half a pint ) are put on trays, and waiters go round looking for thirst drinkers!

The price in October 2003 for a Altbier was between 1.35 to 1.50 Euros.

Fuchschen,

Ratinger Str 28

ALTBIER BREW PUB

Nice large pub with lots of different drinking areas, and a pleasant atmosphere. A little to the north of the city centre but it still attracts a crowd. Black beams, wood panelled walls and red slate floor. Pub has a nice sort of homely feel to it

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

Slightly out of the centre so the beer prices fall to 1.35 Euro. Heaving at 7.00 on a Wednesday. Wide selection of food. The altbier is the one to go for. It must be really busy on a Friday or Saturday ! Dark wood interior and tiled floor which seems to be the norm.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 2003
_______________________________________________________________________

Paulaner Botschaft

Huttenstrabe 20

Beers from Munich brewers Paulaner, makes this a welcome change for Dusseldorf drinkers. The front of the pub tries to look like a Bavarian beer garden. Inside the décor is pleasant, with lots of wood panelling. Traditional Bavarian food is served- there is also an English menu. Try the Paulaner Salvator-a excellent, if strong beer!

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

At least this Munich brewer has an outlet in the city-a dwindling trend. The pub is a 10 minute walk from the main station. A wide selection of food; particularly Munich sausages and Sauerkraut. No beer menu so prepare the order in your mind first. The Salvator double hop was good. Inside is a central bar in pine set in a pine clad room . The food was good and service was prompt.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

_________________________________________________________________________

Pilsner Urquell

Grabenstrabe 6

If you want a change from German Pilsner, then this pub gives you the chance to try the Czech kind- albeit at a price. Prices for 30l are from 2.50 to 2.70 Euros. Smallish pub, with low lighting and a cosy atmosphere. Spiral staircase leads to a upstairs drinking area. The pub sells Czech food as well as Czech beer.

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

Do go to the florist next door! Run by Czech staff serving Czech beer. The dark stout like U'Fleku or the more familiar Pilsner Urquell or Budweiser Budvar are pretty good. The food is at the front of the bar. The drinks take a few minutes to pour. A spiral staircase splits the small front bar. The beer is served in 0.3 l measures and is 50% more expensive than the altbier elsewhere. Watch the short change; that's if you get any change!

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Schlussel,

Bolker Str 43-47

ALTBIER BREW PUB

Huge pub in the centre of the old town, with lots of different areas. The back area is more for sitting down, while the front area to the right is more for standing up or sitting on high stools. Lots of nice paintings around the place. Very busy at the time we visited, which was 18-30 on a Wednesday evening. Pub seems very into food.

John 8/10 visit Oct 2003

A large spacious brew pub. Beer served from the wood. Very busy at 6.30. Getting a seat can be difficult. Arched ceilings and tiled floors. A wide mix of ages and people.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Schumacher im Goldenen Kessel

Bolkerstrabe 44

Schumacher main outlet in the old town. The left side is a stand-up drinking area, the right is more into food. As always in Germany, it's okay to have a drink. Crowded, but lively atmosphere. Wooden panelled beams, old photos and pictures on the wall plus various bric-a-brac, all on a green background make this a interesting pub.

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003

This is the town centre outlet for Schumacher. Again packed with people enjoying their selves. The food looked good. Family photos of the brewery owners adorn the walls.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit Oct 2003
_________________________________________________________________________

Schumacher,

Ost Str 129

ALTBIER BREW PUB

The other 3 home brew pubs are in the old town, whereas this one is in the new town. It's the nearest to the main railway station; might be easier to do this one last if on a day trip. Nice pub with lots of little alcoves. Try the right hand side as you walk in; it has the more impressive décor, including large paintings and portraits and etched-glass windows. There is a drinking area at the back where you can look into the brewery.

John 9/10 visit Oct 2003

The one Alt brewery out of the centre of town. As you enter there is one bar on the left with the stammistch. On the right a larger room with sanded wood tables. You have to try the Altbier, served from wooden barrels. Paintings adorn the walls with past conflicts and dignitaries depicted on a grand scale. Some tables can be reserved, so look for the notices on them.
Stuart 8.5/10 visit Oct 2003

________________________________________________________________________

Zum Urerige,

Berger Str 1

ALTBIER BREW PUB

The oldest and the most atmospheric of all the pubs. Have a good look round before you sit down - there are lots of different rooms and alcoves, which are nice and cosy. There is an outside drinking area to the side of the pub, which seemed popular for a cold October evening! You will see an old wooden barrel rolled out and put onto the bar, then about 10 beers are poured out, and the waiters go looking for customers! Can't get fresher than this! Classic pub.

John 10/10 visit Oct 2003

A stunning if slightly commercial Altbier brew pub. Many different rooms and dark panelling. Paintings and long wooden tables. Everyone was slowly getting pissed on the 0.25l Altbier. The waiters are brusque. If your glass is empty it will be replaced with a full one with typical German efficiency. A wide range of food is served. Note that the waiters are all male and they wear blue aprons.

Stuart 9/10 visit Oct 2003
________________________________________________________________________

COLOGNE

Cologne must have one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world ( if a little dirty ), as well as a good Roman museum. Drinking wise, it's one of the best places in Germany to drink. Whilst not as well known as Munich for drinking, their pubs are every bit as good, especially in the old town.

Kolsch beer is the local beer speciality of Cologne. If you ask for a beer in Cologne, a kolsch beer is what you get. The best way to describe a kolsch beer is like a light lager. Sometimes it is a very fine line between brewing a great or a bland kolsch. As we know most global lagers are light and bland. Fortunately kolsch pubs pride themselves in the freshest of their product, served in most cases straight from the barrel without any pressure. Which makes for a great taste, especially on a hot summers day!. The beer is served in 0.2l glasses ( 1/3 of a pint ) which makes life easily for people like me who want to review a lot of pubs! The beer is also served in 0.4l glasses. A few pubs also do 3 or 5 litre tubes, with a tap at the bottom for groups of people to serve themselves at a table, like a pitcher of beer.

Most klosch pubs used to be home-brew pubs. In recent years there are 4 home-brew pubs left in the centre, all worth visiting. Beer prices range from 1.25 euros to 1.70 euros for a 0.2l kolsch in June 2004.

The tourist map from the tourist office does have all the pubs listed below on it, but it doesn't have a street index. There are detailed city maps on large boards with a street index, all over the city centre. There is one 50 yards to the right as you come out of the Fruh. The pubs in the old town are all close to each other.

Special thanks to Ron Pattinson and John White for guiding me to the best pubs.

OLD TOWN

Alt Koln am Dom,

Trankgasse 7-9.

This pub is the nearest to the famous cathedral and main railway station. It does attract a lot of tourists, ( it has an English menu ) with prices to match. This said, it has a pleasant atmosphere for a city centre pub and the waiter service was good. Recently redecorated, with black beams, white walls and a red slate floor. Not too busy on my Monday afternoon visit. Revolving door entrance by Cruyff of Amsterdam- surely not the footballer!!

John 8.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Alter Markt Treef,

Unter Kastier 18

This is a cosy drinkers' pub, small by Cologne standards. Upmarket décor, with high seating all along the side of the pub, with nice soft seats and bar stools. Looks like it's been redecorated recently. White walls, mirrors and white ceiling all make for a pleasant atmosphere. TV in the corner showing England V Cortica, England won 4-2 for the record. Only minus point to this place are the English pop songs, not sang very well in German!

John 7.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Biermusum,

Buttermarkt 39

If you want a choice of beers on draught in Cologne, this is the place for you. Nineteen beers on draught, including a good range of German kolsch, alt, rauich and pilsner beers, two from the Czech Republic ( Budvar and Pilsner Urquell ) and two from Ireland ( Guinness and Beamish ). The bottled beer section is not so impressive, the UK is represented by Newcastle Brown Ale and Bass ( say no more! ). As you expect of the choice, you have to pay a little bit more. It is not expensive by English standards, a 0.4l Budvar was under £2. Standard pub décor with a few bits of beer memorabilia on the walls. Impressive collection of earthenware mugs and steins. I am not sure how I feel about this pub; Cologne is rightly proud of its kolsch tradition, but at the same time its nice to have choice.

John 8/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Brauerei Zur Malzmuhle,

Heumarkt 6

BREW PUB

Hard to find. This pub and Zum Pfaflen might have the same road address, but to get from one to the another you have to walk across a main road and a tram line! Genuine brew pub selling excellent beer straight from the barrel in an atmospheric pub. People are half drinking and half eating, but all are enjoying themselves. Good waiter service. Malzmuhlen kolsch is 1.25 euros, the cheapest on my travels in Cologne. Give the revolving doors a good push as you go in, it's a little stiff. ( maybe that’s how they spot the visitor? ). Great pub.

John 9.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Brauhaus en, dr, Salzgass,

Salzgasse 7

A old town outlet for the excellent Paffgem kolsch, which is served from a wooden barrel, this alone makes this pub well worth a visit. The pub looks like it's been refurbished recently. One part of the pub is bar stools and tables creating a drinking atmosphere, the other half is seats and tables creating a eating atmosphere. There is an upstairs seating area as well. Good laid-back feel at the time of visit. Good find.

John 9/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Brauhaus Sion,

Unter Taschenmacher 5

Another large pub in the old town. The pub is roomy and has some pleasant décor, including a stained-glass window and some nice old photos of Cologne. The pub has a upmarket restaurant feel to it. More waiters than customers at the time of my visit. My upmarket feelings were right-there's a lady in the toilets wanting a tip!

John 7/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Brauhaus "Zum Pfaffen",

Heumarkt 62

Good pub on the square. While this pub has the standard German pub décor, this place does have some very impressive wood cravings on the seats and all around the walls. It also has some nice stained-glass windows. Only a few people in at the moment, already creating a good atmosphere. No longer serving Paffgem sadly. Closed on Mondays.

John 8.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Fruh,

12-14 Am Hof

A Cologne institution. Wander around the rooms of this massive pub, and choose where you want to sit; there are plenty of choices. Standard German pub décor, but the pub has a wonderful atmosphere. Only minus point was the waiter giving me a coke, instead of a beer! Must have been the way I said 'Kolsch! On a revisit on a Tuesday evening there was not a seat to be had. No longer a home brew-pub, but the beer was good.

John 9.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Gaffel Haus,

Alter Markt 20

Different from most of the pubs I have been in today. Whilst traditional it has a nice eccentric feel to it. Lots of old black and white photos on the wall, mainly of people, and old art paintings on the ceiling! ( yes the ceiling! ). There are two dummies behind the bar ( not the barmen ) holding musical instruments. I didn't see if the ' what the butler saw' machines were working! Nice place, but the most expensive beer so far tonight at 1.70 euros.

John 9/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Hagnhuas Zum Rheingarten,

Frankenwerft 19

Nice pub close to the River Rhine, but there is a grass footpath stopping you from having views of the river. Various old memorabilia all around the walls; including a few beer ones. Standard German pub décor, white walls, wooden tables and chairs.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Leder,

Unter Fettenhennen 2

Small pub close to the cathedral. Not exactly overflowing with tourists', just me and two locals at the bar when I visited! Food menu with English subtitles! Pleasant sort of place with plates on the wall, as well as old photos and paintings, There seem to be a few photos of Richard Harris in one corner! Pubs serves Paulaner beers, as well as Gaffel kolsch beer.

John 7/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Lowenbrau

Frankenwerft 21

Like the pub next door the Hagenhaus Zum Rhinegargen. This pub is close to the River Rhine, but with no views of the river despite the outside seating. Pub selling Munich brewers' Lowenbrau beers. Like the Paulaner pub in Cologne, this pub also sells a kolsch beer, in this case Sunner. Cosy décor with standard old photos and pictures on the wood panelled walls. Low lighting and candles on the tables all add to the laid-back feel to this pub. Upstairs seating area; there is also a hotel here as well. There's a mirror in this pub which says ' Coca-Cola is the most refreshing drink in the world '- who are they kidding?! Nice place.

John 8/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Paulaner in Roten Ochsen,

Thurnmarkt 7. Junction off Am Leystadel/ Heumarkt

Munich brewers Paulaner outlet in Cologne. The pub doesn't seem to have much of a Bavarian feel to it, apart from the Paulaner memorabilia. Or maybe be I am missing something? The River Rhine is across the dual-lane road. Pub serves Gaffel kolsch at 1.90 euros for 0.3l only 10 cents more than Paulaner beer.

John 8/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Peters Brauhaus,

Muhlengrasse 1

From the outside,this pub comes over as a massive place covering three buildings, but. inside it does have a nice homey sort of atmosphere. To the right as you go in there is a stand up drinking area, as well as other places to eat or drink in this well thought out pub. Nice old paintings and stained-glass windows in one area of the pub. Good to see three older ladies enjoying their kolsch beer, shame on the young lady with them drinking wine!

John 9/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Sunner im Walfisch,

Saltzgasse 13

Good lively pub. Small pub with a good intimate feel. Whilst there is a food menu, everyone here tonight seems to be drinking and enjoying themselves . Pub sells a 3 or 5 litre tube of beer with a tap at the bottom of it, so a group of people can just serve themselves. Kolsch beer comes from a wooden barrel at the bar. Good atmosphere.

John 8.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Wirtshaw Schwejk,

Am Bollwerk 7

This street is full of restaurants with outside eating areas. The Budvar and Pilsner Urquell signs made me think this place is worth a try. I was not disappointed. The Barman poured the Budvar very professionally, the beer was well worth the wait. The pub is small on the inside, with some seats at the back and a stand up drinking area at the front. A kolsch-free pub, which is usual for Cologne! Budvar was 2.30 euros for 0.25l.

John 8.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

EAST COLOGNE

Bieresel.

Breite Strasse 114

Appelhofplatz U station

This pub is a 10 minute walk from the city centre, down a shopping street. From the outside the pub doesn't look too big, but once inside it does go back a fair way. Lots of wood panelling and various bits of bric-a-brac around the place. Stand up area by the bar for the locals, Small beer garden around the back and a outside drinking area at the front. Sunner beers.

John 8/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Die Hausbrauerei Paffen

Friesenstrabe 64

BREW PUB

Freisenplatz U station

This pub is about 15 minutes walk from the main railway station and is well worth the walk. Excellent brew pub brewing excellent beer; you can see the wooden barrels as you walk in. The pub is long, with rows of tables and a wooden beamed ceiling. It's almost like a old dining hall. Nice stained-glass windows, mirrors, and old art paintings and photos on the wall all add to the feel of this pub. As we are away, from the centre the beer and food ( there is a English menu ) is reasonably priced. Good waiter service.

John 9.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

NORTH COLOGNE

Brauhaus Gaststatte Schreckenskammer,

Ursulagartenstr 11-15

OPENING TIMES

Mon to Fri 11-00 to 13-45-16-30 to 2230

SAT 11-00 to 14-00

Sun Closed

Back street local to the North of the main railway station. Not a back street local in size, it's a large pub with lots of different drinking areas. Done out in standard German pub décor. By the hours ( see above ) this seems very much a locals' pub. A quiet oasis, which makes a change from some of the busy tourist pubs in the old town. Good Schreckenskammer kolsch ( try saying that after a few! ).

_________________________________________________________________________

SOUTH COLOGNE

Brauhaus Reissdorf,

Kleiner Greiechenmarkt 40

Poststr U station

A fair walk from the city centre, but with a more locals' type of atmosphere in this pub. Modern building along side a few shops. Reasonably sized pub with a low ceiling, which doesn't do much for the place. I don't konw about the history of the Reissdorf klosch, but it comes in a wooden barrel ( covered by a black cooler ) and was a good beer. Opens from 16-00 hours onwards.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Weissbrau Zu Kolm,

Am Weidenbach 24/ at Pantaleonswall

BREW PUB

Barbarossaplatz U station

While most of the kolsch brew pubs have moved out the city centre, this is a new brew pub with a difference, as well as brewing kolsch beer, it also does Bavarian style beers. This is because the pub is owned by a Bavarian company who run a chain of brew pubs. Standard pub décor including staler floor, wooden tables and chairs and pictures on the wall. You can see the brewing vessels as you walk into the pub, on the left hand side. Seems to be a younger person's pub judging by the clientele.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Brauhaus Putz,

Engelbertstr 67

Rudolfplatz U station

Traditional no-frills sort of pub. This said it is not basic, and has a nice homely feel to it. After visiting some of the large grand pubs in the centre, this makes a pleasant change. The big selling point of the pub is the Muhlem Kolsch straight from the barrel; there is no bar, the barrel is on a back stand.. The waiter doesn't ask you what you want; he comes round with a beer on his tray. Wooden floors, barebrick walls, and low lighting. A good mix of people here of all ages and everyone is enjoying the beer. Reasonably priced snack meal. I must admit this pub really grows on you. Opens from 17-30 to 23-30 hours.

John 9/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

Hellers Brauhaus,

Roonstr 33

BREW PUB

Zulpicherplatz U station

Like the Weissbrau, a new brew pub which does different brews, like wiess, euro bock ( saison beer ) and Number 33! ( looks like a dark beer ). When you first walk into this pub the décor is not too impressive, but turn right into the conservatory part with hanging plants it improves a great deal. Good beer menu showing the beers and the reasonable prices. Like the Weissbrau this pub seems to attract younger people. Service a little on the slow side. Interesting place.

John 8/10 visit June 2004

_________________________________________________________________________

BERLIN

Berlin is on a par with London and Paris as one of the great cities of Europe. The city centre is amazing green. Tiergerten must be one of great parks of the world. Since the wall come down in 1989 it's hard to see the divided in the city, a lot of building work has seen too that.

Pub wise there is a mixture of brew pubs, large eating pubs and traditional Kneipe pubs, which makes drinking interesting. If you know where to look!

The local specialist beer for Berlin is Berliner Weisse, which is a wheat beer with a sour taste, some people like to add syrup. While not the everyday beer in Berlin, it is worth a try. The beer is more expensive than regular beer. Berlin has three local breweries Berlin Kindi and Schultheiss whose beers are easy to find, and independent Burgerbrau whose beers are not. Now Berlin is part of the rest of Germany, Berlin breweries have competition from major German breweries like Bitburger, Jever and Radeberger.

CHARLOTTENBURG

Dicker Wirt, Danckelmannstrasse 43

Good Kneipe pub, not to big and not to small. Good atmosphere with low lightening, candles and jazz background music. While there is a food menu, drinking appears to be more important here. Friendly staff and locals. Nice to find a genuine local in a nice street with small shops.

John 8/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Haus der 100 biere, Mommsentstrasse 45, junction of Wilmersdorferstrasee

The house of 100 beers lives up to it's name and more. As well as 100 bottled beers from countries all around the world some good, some not so good. There are 15 beers on draught from all over Germany, as well as the Czech Republic and Ireland. The décor creates a cosy atmosphere with different drinking areas, the front conservatory is a good place to watch the world go by. Not much beer memorabilia around but there are various beer bottles around the world on display. Local weisse is served with a straw! Great pub Berlin premier pub for choice of beer.

John 9.5/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Luisenbrau, Luisenplatz 1 Junction of Spandauerdamm and Kaiser- Fredrichstrasse

web site http://www.luisenbrau.com/

Opposite Schlob Charlottenburg gardens, which are worth a trip out of the city centre for. A large narrow brew pub with some nice views outside the windows. Nice Sunday afternoon atmosphere with people reading their newspapers or with their families. Home brew beers are helles, dunkel and weizen which were well made. Opens at 09.00 hours. Good pub.

John 9/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Wirthaus Wuppke, Schluterstrasse 21

Small cosy Kneipe, with lots of wood panelling and mirrors. Interesting old paintings, photos, and beer adverts around the walls. Friendly pub with a good atmosphere at the time of visit. Reasonable prices Berliner Kindi was 1.20 euros for 0.2L, 2.20 euros for 0.4L. Close to Savignyplatz S station. Take the Schluterstrasse exit, turn right. cross the road, and it's on your left.

John 7.5/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

MITTE

Alt Berliner Weibbierstaben, Rathausstrasse 21

Web site www.prostmahlzeit.de/altberlinerwbs/

Very upmarket sort of place. Mainly interest is eating rather than drinking. There are a few stools by the door and at the bar. Interesting old photos around the walls, including some of old Berlin. Plush décor.

John 7/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Brauhaus Mitte in Berlin Carre, Karl Liebknecht 13

Web site http://www.brauhaus-mitte.de/

Directions

From Alexanderplatz S station take the Karl Liebknechtstr exit, turn left at the bottom of the stairs, turn right, from the traffic lights you can see the Brauhaus Mitte signs. If not go into the Berlin Corre shopping centre on the map aas 28A. as beer brunnen.

If only shopping centre in the UK had a brew pub in them, like this one. Maybe I would visit them a few more times! Easy to find on the first floor. Modern interior with a balcony for the summer. You can see the brewing vessels behind the bar. Dry hops above the bar. Nice pub in a unusual setting with good dunkel beer.

John 8.5/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Georgbrau, Spreeufer 4

Web site http://www.georgbrau.de/

A brew pub by the river, well not quite you have to drink outside. Pleasant modern décor instead of wood panelling here, the owners have painted the walls black! The pub is large so have a look around the different drinking areas. Model ship above the bar. You can see the brewing vessels behind bar. It seems like most brew pubs in Berlin like to show off their brewing kettles. Good pub.

John 9/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Lenkes Spezialitatenbrauerei, Dircken Strasse

Web site www.gastro-lloyd.de/lemke/

A brew pub under a railway arch, giving the pub a cellar atmosphere. Low lighting, candles and ceiling fans make it laid back in style. The back of the pub has a conservatory area which gives more light and wicker chairs, which leads on to a beer garden. The views of the tower block are great!

John 9/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Nubbaum, Am Nubbaum 3

This place isn't on some tourist maps, but worth finding. The area around the pub reminds me of Cologne old town. It is being rebuilt in a traditional way. The pub is traditional with a cosy atmosphere with low lighting, dark wood panelling and a good food menu. Beers included Rex pils from a Berlin brew pub. Nice pub.

John 8/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Olle Bolle, Gut Essem, under Freselturn

Modern pub below a giant TV tower. A good choice of beers here but is a little expensive, while the pub has windows all around to show the outside view. The view is nothing to write home about! A place which is a little overrun by tourists. If you want to use to toilet it's 50 cents or so the sign says!

John 7/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Sophien, Grobe Hamburger Strabe 37

Web site http://www.sophieneck-berlin.de/

While this pub is in the city centre it's a little of the beaten track, giving it a good atmosphere. Not a back street local because it's half food, half drink but does have an intimate feel. A good beer range including an alt beer, kolsch beer and a Irish stout ( not Guinness ). Pub reminds a little of a Belgian brown café in decor.

John 9/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

TIERGARTEN

Ambrosius, Kurfurstenstrasse 60, junction of Einemstrasse

Very much the standard German pub décor here. Very clean with a white ceiling and pictures all around the walls, a nice pub to chill out in. Wood panelling around the place including wood chairs and tables. Good food menu, some of the food looks appetising. Has a beer garden for summer days.

John 7/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Lindenbrau am Potsdamer Platz, Bellevuestrabe 3

Web Site http://www.lindenbrau-berlin.de/

Another brew pub in a shopping centre. By the looks of it there are not to many husbands here today, or they might be people coming in for a quick half. Brewing vessels in the middle of the pub, with a spiral staircase leading to kettles higher up. The pub specialises in wheat beers including a Berliner Weisse beer. Pub is on two floors. To get there follow the signs for Sony Center, from Potsdamer Platz station.

John 7.5/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

PRENZLAULER BERG

Braustubl, Kuglerstr, junction of Stahlheimerstrasse

Small pub with a back room with a pool table. Décor has wood panelling, carpet and plants in the window. Good back street local atmosphere, where everyone seems to know each other- accept me! Lausitzer porter Schwarzes on draught made a nice drinking change. Amazing electric dartboard, which counts the numbers down when your dart hits the board.

John 8/10 visit April 2005

__________________________________________________________________

Mauerblumchen, Wisbyerstrasse 4,

Web Site http://www.mauerblumchen.de/

Good eccentric sort of pub with dumbs with track suits hanging from the bar, old TV and radios, photos and posters from the communists era. Décor is light and airly with red and blue tables and chairs. Comfy seats and table football are in one corner. Good choice of beers including the hard to find Berlin independent Burgerbrau, as well as Radeberger, Kostritzer Schbarzbeir and Hefeurezen. A pub that dares to be difference. Good pub, friendly bar service.

John 9/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Metzer Eck, Metzerstrasse 33

In many ways the genuine kneipe pub, to the point it appears in a few tour guides. This might explain the reserved signs on the table, which are hopefully for the locals. Recently decorated, the front part has bar tools and locals, The back part has some interesting old photos and an English newspaper article in the European remember that Paper about the pub. The beer on offer includes two Czech beers Budvar ( Budweiser here ) and Krusoivce. Founded in 1913. Opens 16-00 hours Monday to Friday and 18-00 hours at the weekend. Good pub.

John 8.5/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

November Husemannstrasse 15,

This area is a little outside the city centre. Even when it was East Berlin Prenzlauler Berg had a reputation as being bohemian and is a place of character. Now Husemannstrasse seems to be a yuppie area, with bars, café and restaurants with some places claiming to be all three! This pub reminds me of a London castro-pub with white ceilings, black walls and wood floorboards. A place to chill out and read the newspapers, as most of the customers are doing today.

John 7/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

Zum Schusterjungen, Danzigerstrasee 9

Good pub, but interesting enough a pub of two halves. As you walk in you have the traditional side, if you walk to the back you have the restaurant part. Food is served on both sides. A good solution to keep it going as a pub. Pleasant place with a good atmosphere. Schultheiss beer served at reasonable prices. Eberswalder Strasse U station is close by.

John 8/10 visit April 2005

_________________________________________________________________________

WILMERSDORF

Nussbaaum, Bundesplatz 6

Pub close to Bundesplatz U or S station. Claims to be a Kneipe, but it is to upmarket. It does have a drinking area by the bar. It has 18 beers on draught including some Irish and Czech but there are no real surprises here. Nice décor with some impressive paintings on the wood panelled walls, including some beer ones.

John7.5/10 visit April 2005

DORTMUND

I came to Dortmund to try the local export beer. Once there were seven export breweries now there are two. Export beer is a strong 5% beer with a malty taste. Let’s hope the style doesn’t disappear altogether. For the non-beer tourists there does not seem to be a lot to do. Even the local tourist office’s biggest selling point was that Dortmund was staging a semi-final of the 2006 World Cup! Visited October 2005.

 

Wenkers Brauhaus, Betenstrabe 1, 44137 Dortmund.

 

If you are English, there are no Wenkers here!! Brew pub, which is opposite Markt. While this pub has a modern design it has a good pubby atmosphere. There are dry hops around the bar, which are lighter up by fairy lights in the evening! Low lighting and candles on the table sort of place. Good bar service, which seen to be impressed that I knew it was a brewpub! I directed them to Ronnie Patterson web site! Brewery is downstairs. Raised seating area with views of the square. Old brewery photos around the walls.

 

John 9/10 visit Oct 2005

 

Hovels Hausbrauerei, Hoherv Wall 5/7, 44137 Dortmund

 

Brew pub on edge of the city centre on the ring road. Lots of tables and chairs outside giving it a Bavarian feel, but it is a cold October evening!  The home brew Hovel bitter is good; which is a shame as there is only a small area to drink it. Good beer needs more space!  Worth a visit for the beer . More expensive to drink Hovel beer here than in some other Dortmund pubs which sell it!!

 

John 8/10 visit Oct 2005 

 

Zum allten Markt, Markt 3, 44137 Dortmund

 

Good traditional pub in the city centre. There is an upstairs drinking area with seats, while the downstairs area is bar stools and raised seats. Standard German pub décor with slated floor, wooden beams and white walls. There is a stag’s head in the upstairs bar for some reason!

 

John 8/10 visit Oct 2005

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Einkehr, Hansaster 9/11, 44137 Dortmund

 

Small pub in the city centre. On a Monday afternoon the pub has the older locals around the bar, giving it a local street feel more than a city centre pub. Stained glass windows, lots of wood, beams and white walls. In other words standard German pub décor. Hovel bitter on draught was 1.60 euros for 0.2.

 

John 7/10 visit Oct 2005 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Brinkhoff No 1, Markt 6, 44137 Dortmund

 

It is often a beer is named after a pub! Or is it the another way round. I use the term pub loosely. This place has a small drinking area by the bar; the rest of the place is taken up by food. The décor is upmarket and pleasant, but not a place you would feel comfortable drinking in.

 

John 5/10 visit Oct 2005

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Boomerang, Kuckelke 20, 44135 Dortmund

 

As you might expect, this is an Aussie pub. It is a nice pub, which does not go to over the top on the Australian theme. Some of the original aboriginal paintings are different, as well as the stuffed crocodile above the bar, different from your average Aussie theme pub.  International beers are the same prices as the domestic ones. The beer mirrors invite me to discover the legend of Newcastle Brown Ale- I think not! Reasonably priced food including Surfers paradise wrap!

 

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2005

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________