“Off the beaten paths”
Today I invite you to a shopping tour … but of a different kind. Berlin is always good for a surprise (actually several), because hardly any other city offers so many shopping opportunities where you can experience and learn at the same time or even rent the places as an event location. And the small selection that I would like to present today is anything but ordinary!
Shopping in malls is a thing of the past, today one explores the hidden gems of the trendy Berlin districts
Near the Jannowitzbrücke, for example, one finds the world of Jakob Wagner, owner of Urban Industrial. Pure industrial design! Jakob Wagner searches for and collects antique pieces of furniture, which he brings back into shape in a wonderful way. It is said that “Vintage” is his middle name. Whether solid wood tables, bar stools, leather sofas, lamps or wall design, this industrial furnishing trend is taking the hearts of buyers by storm! And the showroom with its 800m² is even made available as an event location!
And on it goes in Berlin’s Mitte district. There are many small back roads all around Schendelpark, in which extraordinary shops with many new ideas are lined up. Next stop is ECOALF. Founder Javier Goyeneche was frustrated with the amount of waste that industrialized countries produce and in 2009 started to make fashion series that are made from recycled materials.
According to the principle “BECAUSE THERE IS NO PLANET B” Javier presents modern design here in Berlin’s ECOALF and for every T-Shirt with the slogan that he sells, he donates to the foundation for environmental protection. ECOALF also offers in-store workshops on how to make the world a little bit of a better place.
Ever heard of Berlin’s most creative chocolate factory? It is – as well – something to find in Berlin’s district Mitte! The gem is located just around the corner of the Heckmann-Höfe. This unique and diverse range of unusual chocolate souvenirs, appetizing gastronomy related to chocolate, crêpes & waffles, animation & workshops in a nostalgic atmosphere, equipped with copper tubes and self-designed shelves and tables from Singer sewing machines is a real eye-catcher!
And finally – as promised recently – a detour to Berlin’s district Friedrichshain because that is where the Straßenbräu is located, a so-called brew pub. Standing outside in front of the windows, one can already watch how the team pursues the art of brewing. The focus is on producing high-quality craft beers. Aspiring hobby brewers can even learn how to brew beer here. They can develop their own beer for a planned event in a workshop, brew it and then – of course – drink it.
