Bierhimmel (Closed Permanently)

A history of gay Kreuzberg would not be complete without a mention of the Bierhimmel as reinvented in the 1980s by Claudia Ullmann, who had taken over from a man named Harry (and before him his father). Justifiiably renowned for its cakes and casual atmosphere, the queer institution remained a jewel of Berlin until Ullmann decided enough was enough. In 2010 Bremen-born Kreuzberg entrepreneur Christian Raschke — already overseeing two businesses in the Oranienstraße — thankfully felt compelled to save the Bierhimmel ('Beer Heaven') from oblivion. With much of the same staff and recipes — signature desserts include the Tränentorte (tears cake) and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake) — Raschke continued in Ullmann's tradition, albeit in a less high-definition-gay vein. But in September 2014 Raschke bowed out, paving the way for a radical reinvention by two French Kreuzbergers and a third Frenchman, who opened the new-look gold-and-grey establishment on 27 September. In addition to the decor, out went the breakfasts, with the emphasis shifting to night-time (new beers and wines, electronic sounds à la co-owner DJ Stephane) and younger people etc while maintaining a commitment to cake and (improved) coffee, athough in a more tasteful setting. As of mid-2015 Bierhimmel is no longer open in the afternoon. U-Bahn: Kottbusser Tor. As of August 2015 the Bierhimmel is shut, in search of new owners? Watch this space.