“People want to show themselves, get in touch, saunter around and be seen.” This is how the boss of this salon encapsulates things. It’s wonderful to sit here in the late afternoon with a view of the comings and goings of this town, with either a Schmitz Bitter – their own brand of refreshing spirit made with Rhubarb – or one of their self-made beers or Spritzes. The artists and gallery owners seem almost magnetically drawn to this all-rounder salon. Owner Dirk Mecky has an affinity for art and spoils his clientele with his good taste. Normally at bars, the rooms at the back are treated like a poor stepsister- not here. On one side, there is collage of small, affordable artworks; on the other, you’ll find rough masonry, making a tasteful contrast to the two old-fashioned ‘Aunt Gertrude’ floor lamps, which, with their cosy light, provide the right kind of atmosphere for a deep conversation. Dishes at the Schmitz-Metzgerei need to be fetched from next door. This is, admittedly, not so desirable, but the sumptuous tiled interior with its original bar is unbelievably gorgeous. What was once a completely normal meat market in the red light district has together with the neighbouring Salon Schmitz become the “Fashion Hill” of the Belgian quarter.
Aachener Strasse 28 - 30
50670 Cologne
phone: +49 221 1395577
sun - thu 9.00 am - 1.00 am
fri + sat 9.00 am - 3.00 am
