The Brauhaus Lemke is not the only micro in Berlin situated in railway arches, Brewbaker, next to Bellevue S-bahn station has done the same. Just a few stops from the centre as well, in a quiet area with apartment buildings and parkland.
Very quiet if you ignore the rattling of the train. Some tables outside, inside they have just one arch – Lemke has two. Three beers of their own plus a guest, currently Weienstephaner weisse, which would be a welcome guest most places. Food menu, too, both snacks and more substantial meals. I think you are frowned upon here if you do not offer some kind of food to go with the drinks.
The beer were interesting, each in their own way. A grapefruit weisse was very refreshing, the bitterness of the grapefruit playing with the light wheat beer. Smooth and easy drinking, a fine summer refreshment – and something very different form the grapefruit lemonade/beer mix being sold in bottles.
The Berlinsch is a homage to the Kölsch of Cologne. This beer has a lot of flavour. A bit sweet, but with hops giving both flowers and bitterness. A fine session beer.
Their Bellevue pils was, however, the best of the bunch. Well balances, soft mouth feel, crisp dry aftertaste. I ordered a large glass of this after finishing my sampler. This was probably the best beer I had in Berlin.
Dear Mr. Albert,
the brewery moved to the Arminiushalle in Moabit. There we will start brewing in the middle of march again. Hope to see you there.
Michael Schwab (Brewmaster)