Finally, finally there is a beer garden where one can enjoy some peace and quiet after a dip in Gorinsee. After my years in Munich I was spoiled for day trips. I’ve found many an excellent lake for swimming, but a restaurant with good food and traditional checkered tablecloths is a rare find. The latter still isn’t available at James – it’s too cool for that kind of kitsch – but there are traditional fresh German Brezeln, delicious organic Bratwurst from Gut Temmen, Andechser beer on tap, and home-made cucumber salad. Nicole Schuman from Pappa E Ciccia is responsible for the small but excellent selection of dishes. Melanie dal Canton, who operates MDC Cosmetics in Prenzlauer Berg and lives in Panketal, discovered the fairytale-esque cottage while out on a walk and summarily christened it “James”. It was love at first sight. The little bungalow, which is beautifully sunlit until late in the evening, boasts an idyllic setting with an unobstructed view of the neighbouring fields, where the Haflingers of the next-door Hobi-Müller-Ranch graze in their paddock. (Text: Antje Wewer/ Photos: Frank Griebe)
James Biergarten, Hobrechtsfelder Dorfstr.30a, 16341 Panketal/Zepernick; map
Sat-Sun, 11-19h
Antje Wewer is a journalist and lived in Munich for several years while working for Neon Magazine. Since 2007 she has been back in Berlin and is currently an editor-at-large for Salon Magazine.
