Cologne visit
 

Just back from a 3 day drinking holiday in Koeln. Flight was 35 UKP
from Nottingham (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.


* "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.

* 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