FRÜH Em Veedel

One of the oldest Pubs in Cologne

Cologne's Südstadt is often regarded as the most quintessentially "kölsch" of all Veedel (kösch: neighborhood). They call it Veedel because, well, "Südstadt" is just an unofficial nickname – and the district where Früh em Veedel is located is called the Severinsviertel, or in Kölsch, Vringsveedel. If you're looking to experience Cologne's way of life, shopping with district charm, and cultural program combined with hearty Rhenish cuisine all at once, this is where you come – right into the heart of Südstadt, to this quaint brewery of a special kind – truly kölsch, yet off the beaten tourist paths.

The Menu: Typical Dishes of Rhenish Cuisine

Hearty and robust dishes from Rhenish cuisine dominate the menu at Früh em Veedel. You can find Mett-Happen or Halven Hahn, hearty goulash soup or Flammkuchen, plenty of schnitzels as well as Himmel un Ääd or Dicke Bunne. And, of course, Haxe or Rhenish Sauerbraten. Or potato pancakes – specifically on the potato pancake day (Mondays).

Furthermore, there is a smaller selection of vegetarian dishes: like Flammkuchen or homemade cheese spätzle. As a vegan, you'll officially only enjoy side dishes like rice, red cabbage, fried potatoes, or thick beans. It might not need mentioning – but: there's fresh Früh Kölsch on tap. And the same in barrels, cans, or bottles is offered to you by the pub's own shop, open until 11 PM. On the weekends, even until midnight.

Pub in the Kölsch "Milljö": The "Invalidendom"

Since a long time ago, retirees and former veterans would meet here for a first schnapps in the morning, this location is still known by some visitors as the "Invalidendom." Until 1979, the Hermann family ran their distillery here at the old building on Chlodwigplatz 28, constructed back in 1886, for generations.

The historically protected house with its venerable brick facade is worth seeing on its own. The old distillery recipes have also stood the test of time: to this day, Früh em Veedel serves "Deck un Dünn" – a herbal schnapps – "Stippeföttche" – a peppermint liqueur – and "Alter Ulan," presumably a clear schnapps according to an old house recipe.

Ambiance: Kölsch-style Relaxing & Enjoying

Quaint and not too big: Früh em Veedel offers you a brewery feel with a personal atmosphere. Cozy wood paneling, dark wood, and polished wooden tables provide this in every respect. Just like the historic distillery, meaning the historic schnapps still in the dining area, as well as the multitude of wall pictures and old photos that recall the good old times when the pub was still operated as a distillery.

The centerpiece is the bar with a long counter. In the restaurant, the Köbes brings your order to your table, kölsch style. The entire interior offers 80 seats.

A Digression: About the "kölschest" Neighborhood

Früh em Veedel is situated in the Severinsviertel, which is part of the Altstadt-Süd district, hence the city center. The Severinsviertel, named after the St. Severin Church, is considered a very unique area with an authentically kölsch flair. Since 1980, Germany's most-visited street festival has been held here: "Dä längste Desch vun Kölle." The southern part of the area is considered – together with the eastern part of Neustadt-Süd – unofficially as Cologne's "Südstadt."

Hardly any area in Cologne combines as much culture and Cologne history in such a compact space as the Severinsviertel. Whether theater, cinema or concert, readings, or shopping – there are countless events daily. There's always something happening here. On the main shopping street, people bustle about on Saturdays; there's a multicultural atmosphere with small family-run butcheries or large supermarkets, as well as small, owner-operated shops for browsing. Right in the midst of it is Früh em Veedel.

Früh Kölsch: Früh in Cologne

Today, Früh em Veedel is part of the Früh World – in 1997, the Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh KG, or just Früh, took over the old tavern from the Hermann family and continued it as "Früh em Veedel." Früh is a traditional beer brewery, with its main product being Früh Kölsch. Früh today includes both the large brewpub Früh and the "Em Golde Kappes" in Nippes, as well as the Eden Hotel Früh am Dom and other hospitality ventures. 

The original founder, Peter Josef Früh, who established the brewery by the cathedral – Früh – in 1904, passed away in 1915 – you can visit his monumental family grave in Art Nouveau style at the Melaten Cemetery. Früh has existed for more than 100 years.

Even non-Colognians might be familiar with the Früh Kölsch brand, which is, in contrast to other Kölsch brands, heavily advertised. Wordplays and photomontages appear in cinema and TV ads or on large billboards to draw attention to this Kölsch.