THE BALM OF A BIERGARTEN…read more
This establishment lends itself admirably to the requirements of the tourist who has partaken of a gentle cruise upon the Rhine (cf http://www.qype.co.uk/place/851103-Weisse-Flotte-Duesseldorf , and who seeks a light bite to eat prior to further thirst quenching on a sunny day.
It commands a pleasant view of the gently flowing and sparkling if sadly less potable waters of the Rhine,
Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Qype/e11a3ba9.jpg
with its subdued bustle of barges soporifically cruising along a rate of urgency that reflects one's mood of delighted lethargy, procrastination and general wellbeing.
Oozing into the beer garden, the casual British visitor will doubtless be delighted to note a charmingly derelict Rolls-Royce
Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Qype/f006b7a5.jpg
which conjures up imagery of H.E. Bates' classic contribution to literature:
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ioFpG5I3E&feature=search
The garden is pleasantly shaded by chestnut trees and drinks are served to the table.
According to the menu, if you prefer a snack such as a salami butty or a mess of potage, you must collect it from a window by the kitchen, where it will be swiftly prepared to order. Those preferring something of more substance must order it, retire to their table and then keep a eagle eye open for the number that has been assigned to them to be displayed high up in the garden and which indicates Come and get it.
This procedure seems to be slightly complicated, but it frees up the beer garden staff for their key duties of dispensing ale to dehydrated punters, so let's stick with our priorities.
One German reviewer notes that the seats are rustic and I must certainly agree and withdraw one star for that. Rather than bench seating, they give the impression of being vast sections of tree trunks which in places are at an angle of some 20 degrees off the perpendicular. Indeed, I am surprised that the usually vigilant German authorities permit an arrangement which could prove to be a health hazard to topers, be they sober or otherwise. Clearly a case for local specialists Thyssen Krupp to step in with some underpinning, piledrivers, or similar.
The prices seem to be reasonably humane, given the apparently oligopolistic configuration of riverside watering-holes in Kaiserswerth and a view for which the Swiss would inevitable levy their characteristic surcharge.
As I have noted elsewhere, Kaiserswerth boasts a Florence Nightingale Hospital. A cursory glance at the wall of the main building failed, however, to reveal a commemorative blue plaque stating that Florence Nightingale got lamped here in 1851.
