Just back from a 3 day drinking holiday in Koeln. 35 quid from East Midlands (1:10 flight time + 15 min. train to Hbf)
- High quality beers everywhere, though prices seem to have gone up since I last visited 18 months ago. Cheapest was 0.90 (200 ml) in a local bar outside the town centre. Town center prices were about 1.30. Tourist pubs near Dom, 1.40. Prevalent brands are Gaffel, Sion, Dom, Fruh, Gilden, Sunner. The only brand I wasn't too keen on was Pfaffgen, which I think a lot of people here are fond of.
- "The Ring" area (Rudolfplatz, Friezenplatz, Barbarrosaplatz). A lot of "yoof"-orientated bars but still a few quieter watering holes for the more mature drinker. And, as it was a warm weekend, there were some outdoor beer gardens.
- Malzmuhle -- good koelsch and a nice traditional-style pub. But to cap it all, the food (liver & onions) was exceptional and not nearly as pricy as the tourist joints near the Dom. Also, a Paulaner outlet round the corner facing the river.
- Bonn -- went for a day trip. Had a couple of pints at the Paulaner outlet in the town centre. I also noticed a beer garden in the park selling Paulaner.
- I saw some Irish pubs, but crossed the road to avoid them! (They probably sell good koelsch, though).
- Koelsch glasses -- where can you buy these? I was thinking of letting one fall into my bag, totally by accident, of course, but the waiters are eagle-eyed and clear all empties immediately!
Oh well, back to work. Must start saving for my next expedition to Antwerp!
Bruce