Gilden im Zims

Gilden im Zims is a Kölsch house at Heumarkt 77 in Cologne's Altstadt-Süd, in North Rhine-Westphalia, serving Gilden Kölsch. Heumarkt is a broad old-town square a few minutes from the cathedral and the Rhine, and the venue forms part of the cluster of traditional brewhouses around it. The cuisine is Rhenish and focused on filling regional dishes. Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a marinated pot roast with red cabbage and dumplings, is the traditional centrepiece, and Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle with crackling, offers a heavier alternative. The Halver Hahn, a rye roll with Gouda and mustard, is the usual accompaniment to the first glass of Gilden Kölsch. The beer comes in slim 0.2-litre glasses carried by Köbes waiters, who keep replacing empty glasses until a coaster is placed on top. The rooms are traditional in style, with wooden furnishings and tables where sharing with other guests is normal, and the atmosphere is convivial and loud when the house is full. Dress is casual. Prices are mid-range ($$), with mains generally in the low to middle teens of euros and Kölsch at a few euros a glass, but current prices should be confirmed. Listings show daily opening from late morning to late evening, and the website at www.gilden-im-zims.de should be checked for current hours. Walk-ins are normal, while groups are advised to book. Weekends, Carnival and the Heumarkt Christmas market bring the largest crowds, so booking helps then. The location is a short walk from the Rhine promenade and the old-town sights, and it is close to the Heumarkt tram stop, making it a convenient stop after sightseeing.