Residents Successfully Preserve Local Pub in Prenzlauer Berg: "I wouldn't contribute for a similar pub in Charlottenburg"
In the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, a neighborhood pub with a rich history of over a century, the Bornholmer Hütte, has managed to stay afloat thanks to the solidarity of its community. The pub, which has been in family hands since 1952, faced a potential closure due to a tax debt accumulated during the pandemic.
However, a crowdfunding campaign launched by six regular customers aimed to change that. The campaign, which set out to raise €20,000 within a few weeks, quickly gained momentum. The cultural and social importance of the venue resonated with people, leading to a surge of donations that not only met but exceeded the necessary amount.
Matthias Gerhus, the owner of the Bornholmer Hütte, considers the pub to be inseparable from himself. He refers to it as "I" in conversations, and the success of the campaign has saved more than just the pub—it has saved his life. Over 700 people donated to the campaign, not all of whom are regular customers.
Tobias Biedermann, a former neighbor of the Bornholmer Hütte, donated 25 euros because he values the pub's unique tradition and the impact of its closure on the neighborhood. Florian Mahrin, another donor, donated 20 euros because he appreciates the simplicity and straightforwardness of corner pubs and regrets their decline.
The excess money from the crowdfunding campaign will be used to repair the bowling alley, toilets, and blinds at the Bornholmer Hütte. Matthias Gerhus, with a newfound determination, plans to ensure that the pub remains operational for the next 40 years to prevent a similar situation from happening again.
The gastronomy industry is changing, and many Berlin pubs are struggling due to the pandemic and rising rents. The Bornholmer Hütte's success serves as a beacon of hope for other establishments, demonstrating the power of community support and the importance of preserving local cultural hubs.
The crowdfunding campaign ended earlier than planned, on Sunday, having raised over €33,000. The pub, which was set to close on August 24th, will continue to serve its community, offering a place for laughter, conversation, and camaraderie for years to come.
- Despite the challenges facing many Berlin pubs in the changing gastronomy industry, the success of the Bornholmer Hütte's crowdfunding campaign, which raised over €33,000, shows that preserving local cultural hubs can be achieved through community support.
- With the excess funds from the campaign, Matthias Gerhus plans to not only repair the bowling alley, toilets, and blinds at the Bornholmer Hütte but also tailor the pub's lifestyle and home-and-garden settings to create a unique, sustainable environment that reflect the core values of the neighborhood.
