Tag Archives: Berlin

Things to do in Berlin

Posted on by

Waking up in Berlin on a Friday morning, I was surprised to find the streets quiet and the sites relatively tourist-free. We had arrived at the airport late at night and from the taxi window the city had looked much the same as any other European capital.

Friends and family had promised me I would love Berlin – since the demolition of the dividing wall between East and West the city has united in many ways, and creativity has blossomed in every aspect of city life.

Visually I was shocked at the lack of picturesque details and yet when you furrow further it is easy to understand why Berlin has such a hip and cool reputation, an influential and radical art scene, forward-thinking fashion and vintage shops and plenty of good food outlets. But the thrill is really found behind closed doors… Berlin has a thrilling nightlife: crazy clubs, innovative cocktails and mad music, all housed in unlikely establishments. The cabaret, theatre and drag scene is still very evident and can be found in quirkier venues. In Berlin anything goes, as I discovered on my weekend trip there.

Stay

Sofitel – a centrally located luxurious haven, the perfect place to stay on an indulgent weekend break.
Movenpick – this psychedelic hotel mixes fun and comfort. Numerous rooms and facilities provide for the guest’s every need.

Eat

Tim Raue – This inspiring Michelin star restaurant offers beautiful and innovative cuisine in a hip and quirky venue.
The Bird – The best burgers in town apparently, and I’m not arguing, these sublimely sloppy soft baps have delicious ground beef with various exciting toppings. We tried the insanely good bacon and cheese variety which arrived with a mound of moreish chips.
Anna Blume – this darling brunch café pairs up as a pretty flower shop. Sit outside amongst the blooms and enjoy the sunshine and relaxed vibe while tucking into a giant slab of carrot cake and coffee.

Drink

Barbie Deinhoffs – A legendary bar run by celebrity drag queen Lena Braun. This bright pink Barbie-themed boozer attracts all kinds and is one of Berlin’s top spots for an amusing and debauchery-filled evening. Be warned though cocktails are expensive, best to get a cheap German beer.
Zum Schmutzigen Hobby – Nina Queer’s glamorous cult bar gets crowded, stays open late and has seen various celebrities through its doors for Barbarella Parties, the Glamourquiz, Schlagerbox’s popular German music nights, and a host of cool guest DJs. Nearby you will find retro Photomat machines where you can pay 2 Euros for a strip of four vintage black and white snaps.
John Muir – a new and sophisticated cocktail bar serves up genius concoctions at reasonable prices. Super stylish, slick and chic, but not at all girly, this is the perfect lounge for all cocktail lovers.

Dance

Berghain – known to many as ‘the best club in Europe’ this magical and mythical club can be impossibly picky on the door. Visitors go through a random selection process, how they pick no one knows. But for the lucky clubbers allowed in, a night of magnificent music and excitement awaits.
White Trash Fast Food –WTFF entertains guests as an all-in-one burger joint, tattoo parlour, tiki shack and smoking cinema – a hangout for rock’n’rollers seeking 50s retro, rockabilly, surf, garage and punk sounds. Book ahead for a dinner table, and then head down to the basement bar to dance away the night. Prepare to dress up.

Shop

Don’t bother asking for directions from a local – I found them to be rude and unhelpful and certainly not tourist friendly. If you can bear the spontaneity, let yourself wander aimlessly and you will stumble across some hidden gems.
Frau Tonis – a pristine shop filled with subtle scents, all bottled beautifully in glass beakers and bottles. Buy a Berlin inspired fragrance like Unter der Linden or use the pure liquids to concoct and design your very own bespoke perfume.
Sabrina Dehoff – my favourite jewellery designer in Berlin, a wonderful and wacky collection of bright crystal adorned bracelets and necklaces and delicate gold plated accessories.
The Happy Shop – the name says it all… an outlet which stocks a variety of fabulous and flirty garments from designers like Christopher Kane and Sonia Rykiel. I grabbed a great sale piece and loved the diverse assortment of unusual accessories.
Bob is Pop – I loved this unique shop selling handcrafted Berlin bits and bobs. I bought a super jazzy neon print that despite the struggle back on the Easyjet flight was worth it!
Made in Berlin – one of the biggest and most colourful vintage shops in town, though there are plenty to choose from. Made in Berlin offers reasonable and hip clothing for men and women, rummage around and you’re sure to find a one off bargain.

See

Holocaust Memorial – this poignant memorial was constructed in 2005 as a dedication to those lost. Walk through the towering blocks and then go downstairs to see the facts, figures and pictures in more detail.
Berlin Wall – it took us a while to find this substantial chunk of wall, a reminder of the painful divide between East and West Germany this graffitied relic is a must see. You may notice other suggestions of the wall’s presence in the ground around the city.
Checkpoint Charlie – a popular tourist spot marking the entry point, definitely worth a peek.
Friedrichstadt Palast – Experience a sensational show in the biggest theatre in Berlin with over 100 artists on stage, lots of fabulous fun and frolics.
Flohmarkt am Mauerpark – the only place to be on a Sunday. This huge flea market offers everything and anything you could imagine. After delving through the vintage clothes grab a CurryWurst hotdog and venture out to the field where a popular Karaoke afternoon of performances is held every week.

As with many trendy modern cities, the best places are those little venues you stumble across at the end of a long tiring day trekking about with a crumbled map. Berlin is littered with hip hang outs and hopefully this selection will get you off to a good start.

Sofitel Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin

Posted on by

We arrived in Berlin late on a Thursday night so it was difficult to grasp any character or vibe from the dark city. From the taxi window our surroundings seemed similar to any European capital. We were relieved but also very excited arriving at the smart Sofitel Berlin Gendarmenmarkt. I have visited several hotels from this luxury brand and am consistently impressed with the distinctive mood and personality each venue evokes. The Berlin Sofitel is smaller than most in the French Family of hotels, with only 92 rooms and 4 conference rooms, it is a luxuriously cosy place to stay, ideal for either leisure or business.

Entering our double room, I was immediately struck by the clever, modern design, a room created for maximum comfort and efficiency. The space was carefully arranged with sofa, desk, wardrobe and a massive bed placed centrally, stealing all the attention. It was the biggest softest and most heavenly bed I have ever seen. Colourful mini-macaroons, water, wine and shiny green Granny Smith apples sat tempting us, perfect for a late night, post-plane snack. The room had all the high tech additions but these were discreetly installed. A generously sized TV and BOSE speakers were probably most useful to us, though the Nespresso coffee machine was also greatly appreciated, especially once I worked out how to use it.

Hermes toiletries were to be found in the bathroom, much to my delight, along with soft warm bathrobes and snug slippers. The bathroom in was created for purpose more than pleasure and I was sad to see the absence of a bath, a luxury I relish in hotels. The shower however was powerful and energising, a huge powerful top rain type with a small moveable shower perfect for washing while keeping your hair dry. A huge window allowed natural light into the bathroom, a lovely feature… for privacy, the mirror could be slid across to conceal the window.

The muted colours and calming simple design in this hotel make it the ideal place to relax and escape from the buzz of the city. From our peaceful abode, we were blissfully unaware of the raucous late night partying outside and woke feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Breakfast at Sofitel Berlin is an exquisite display of delicacies and extravagances. Champagne sits chilled on offer for those wishing to really indulge. We picked a selection of hot and cold foods: fresh toasted granary bread with crispy bacon, scrambled egg and smoked salmon; fresh pineapple and strawberries with Greek yoghurt and homemade granola and buttery pastries from the basket given to each table; sweet freshly squeezed orange juice and rich milky coffee. Breakfast was an absolute feast, one of the best arrays I have witnessed! Once again illustrating that for the guests at Sofitel anything and everything is possible.

I always feel well rested and refreshed after a stay at Sofitel. This Gendarmenmarkt branch is more boutique than most with an understated character and tranquil ambience. Instead of flaunting opulence, this hotel has an emphasis on luxury business accommodation, ensuring  guests benefit from the facilities and luxuries equally.

More information and to book here.

http://www.sofitel.com/fr/hotel-5342-sofitel-berlin-gendarmenmarkt/index.shtml

Hot on the Highstreet Week 116

Posted on by

While wandering the inspiring streets of Berlin, I discovered many exciting new designers – my favourite was Sabrina Dehoff. This Berlin based jeweller graduated from the Royal College of Art in London in 1996 and went on to work for numerous fashion designers before launching her own brand in 2006.

The jewellery collections are playful and fun while ornamenting the skin elegantly and artistically. Each range has a different focus… thick soft chord bracelets in rainbow colours and the finer gold jewellery were my favourites. Sabrina uses Swarovski crystals a lot: impressive rings with giant gems and necklaces with colourful stones. The pieces will add a touch of colour and hint of fun to any outfit.

I bought a beautiful bracelet, a thin chain, 23 carat gold plated, with two delicate pendants on… a small gold palm tree and a neon pink encased crystal. It has been the perfect bracelet to wear with almost any piece of clothing and for any occasion. I usually find it tricky to find bracelets that fit my unusually small wrists so I am delighted that the Sabrina Dehoff chain bracelets are adjustable to any length you require.

Prices vary but most pieces cost around £100.

Sabrina’s collections are now stocked worldwide, testament to her universal appeal. Buy yourself a little treat online here.

http://www.sabrinadehoff.com/