Brauhaus Sion

Brauhaus Sion is an old-town Kölsch brewhouse at Unter Taschenmacher 5-7 in Cologne's Altstadt-Nord, a few steps from the cathedral and the Rhine promenade, in North Rhine-Westphalia. It serves its own Sion Kölsch, which has been brewed in the city for generations, and it is regarded as one of the classic beer halls of the historic centre. The cuisine is Rhenish and aimed at diners who want a traditional Cologne meal with their beer. The Halver Hahn, a rye roll with Gouda and mustard, is the emblematic order. Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a marinated pot roast usually served with red cabbage and dumplings, and Himmel un Ääd, black pudding with apple and mashed potato, fill out a menu of regional dishes. The service style is a defining feature: roaming Köbes waiters in blue aprons carry trays of freshly poured Sion Kölsch in 0.2-litre Stange glasses and replace empty glasses without being asked until the guest covers the glass with a coaster. The dining area is made up of timber-furnished rooms with long shared tables, so the atmosphere is convivial and noisy, particularly in the evening. Dress is casual and strangers sharing a table is normal practice. Prices are mid-range ($$): typical mains sit in the low to middle teens of euros, with Kölsch at a few euros a glass, though current prices should be confirmed. Listings show daily opening from late morning to late evening, and visitors should check the website at www.brauhaus-sion.de for current hours. Walk-ins are normal, but groups should book ahead, and weekend evenings, summer terrace weather and the Carnival and Christmas market periods are the most crowded. Because the brewhouse stands in the middle of the old town, it combines easily with a visit to the cathedral, the Rhine bank and the neighbouring Kölsch halls.