STAY
In the past I’ve stayed in Airbnb’s, but [on my most recent trip] I booked a new-ish hotel called the Urban Loft which, bonus, also serves coffee from one of our customers Five Elephant! When booking accommodation, the roaster that they use is always something that I look for. It’s almost like back up. If I sleep in, I know that in the lobby there will be a decent cuppa waiting for me. It’s my kind of security! Another favourite place to stay is Hoxton. They’re located in all the best cities and they use our cups so I might be a little biased. In west Berlin, it’s very close to one of the biggest department stores in Europe, Kadewe.
SUP
If you would like a coffee with a view then head to one of the most unique Barn locations Café Kranzler. It has a 360-degree view of the shopping boulevard along with a balcony. The Barn are very well known for their exceptional coffee. There are some great coffee spots in the Scheunenviertel area too. Five Elephants Mitte store is a great pit stop, the terrazzo coffee bar alone is worth the stop, and make sure you grab a slice of their cheesecake – besides the coffee it’s also what they’re well known for. If you’re wanting something a little more than a pastry, then you have to head to Two Trick Pony – it’s probably one of the best brunches I’ve had. I know, big words from this Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington local. They don’t open until 10am but it’s worth getting there early if you would like to sit outside as it fills up fast. For dinner (and only a short walk from the Urban Loft hotel) is Dashi Diner, a modern Asian diner with yet another beautiful and simple fit-out. It has a simple menu with a simple natural wine list too match + a couple classic cocktails. They don’t take reservations and they’re quite busy so be prepared to wait. But it’s worth the wait. Promise. Another yummy dinner spot (but also open for coffee and pastry) is Julius, this spot came highly recommended and doesn’t disappoint. Seasonal menu where the food is the star, plus natural wines (it’s actually hard to find a local spot without natural wines in Berlin!).
SHOP
Kadewe carries a lot of luxury brands that we’re all familiar with, but also a lot of new brands too – which was refreshing. I’d recommend heading to the top floor and checking out the food hall, as it has restaurants, food bars, delis and a ‘supermarket’ of sorts. For more shopping head to the Scheunenviertel area, where you will find a lot of the Scandi brands: Ganni, Wood Wood and Samsoe Samsoe amongst APC and Colourful Standard.
Imagery: supplied.
