Berlin residents secure a local bar in Prenzlauer Berg: "I wouldn't have contributed for the same pub in Charlottenburg" (Paraphrased)
The iconic Bornholmer Hütte, a local pub in Prenzlauer Berg that has been serving the community since 1907, faced the threat of closure due to a significant tax debt. The debt, amounting to €26,000, accumulated during the coronavirus period.
For 1.5 years, Matthias Gerhus, the long-standing owner of the pub, has been grappling with the issue, but was unable to secure a loan from banks due to his involvement in the hospitality industry. This reluctance from the banks left the pub's future uncertain.
With the closure imminent on August 24th, the community of Berliners rallied to support Matthias and the Bornholmer Hütte. They organised fundraising events and demonstrated their solidarity, providing the financial means necessary to cover the debt. This collective effort from local patrons and neighbours averted the closure of the pub, demonstrating the strong community spirit and their appreciation for the cultural and social value of the Bornholmer Hütte in Berlin.
However, the tax debt remains unpaid. Despite this, Matthias continues to prepare the pub for an afternoon opening, showing his resilience and dedication to the establishment he has run for 35 years. The landlord, initially not planning to support the pub's continued operation, has also been moved by the community's efforts and is now working with Matthias to find a solution.
The Bornholmer Hütte, which has been under family ownership since 1952, is more than just a pub. It is a cherished part of Berlin's history and a beloved gathering place for locals. The community's successful effort to save it serves as a testament to the power of unity and the importance of preserving cultural institutions.
- Determined to preserve the lifestyle and cultural value of the Bornholmer Hütte, the community organized home-and-garden sales and events to raise funds, demonstrating a strong collective effort to maintain the pub's operation.
- Despite the ongoing tax debt, the community's successful fundraising has rekindled a sense of unity and appreciation for the Bornholmer Hütte, ensuring that its homey environment and the traditional way of life it embodies continues to thrive.
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