Bochers in Hamburg' Eppendorf

After 100 years of continuous changing conditions, Bochers has become Eppendorf’s favorite pub over recent years. There is an established lunch table and the clientele includes families, artists, academics, and more. (Courtesy of Borchers)

“We want to be THE Tavern in Eppendorf.”

Borchers, a pub in Eppendorf, Hamburg, is not pigeonholed by any of the other pubs. The cozy pub, that has already existed in different forms for 100 years heralds one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in one of Hamburg’s suburbs.

“It’s the meeting place in Eppendorf,” said Miguel Campos, one of the managers when asked “What’s so special about Boschers?”

Campos shared that the mission statement for Eppendorf’s local is “That’s where the in-crowd goes.”

He continued, “We have many patrons. Many of Eppendorf’s activities are celebrated here, be it children’s parties or disco nights. And we try hard to provide special and great food to our patrons.”

Borchers Classics

One still can get the curry sausage that has been a hit for ages. The curry sausage is just like the Vienna Schnitzel (a thin slab of beef or pork bathed in a beaten egg, covered with bread crumbs, and then fried to perfection) -- they belong to the old Borchers-Classics. That means that patrons can still munch on that much beloved curry sausage and the Vienna Schnitzel.

Borchers serves foods for all tastes, including highly nutritious foods. They will “serve asparagus or chanterelle” for the more discriminate patron, shared Wolfgang Werdermann, the head chef. The selection of the different types of foods is the business of Werdermann, and he is internationally oriented.

Werdermann has cooked in restaurants in many countries, even as far away as Brazil. Campos gushed that “he is an expert in Latin and southern dishes. That does not mean that he is not willing and capable to bring the native food to the table. After all, this cook was born and grew up in Jena, Thuringia, a university town in central Germany located on the river Saales. His culinary knowledge includes many native food dishes.”

What patrons do you see regularly? “This is difficult to say,” said Campos, unwilling to pin down any specific group. “Actually, everyone from A to Z comes to Café Borchers.”

Pub with Special Ambiance and Innovative Activities

Borchers has a rather checkered history and was established in 1906 as a butcher shop. It was last owned by August Borchers. He converted the butcher shop into a restaurant, then a brandy shop, a low class hotel, and then again into a regular inn. It was also a meeting place for intellectuals at a certain period.

In 1990, the pub changed hands. Owners since then are Uwe Bergmann, with Susanne Behrens and Miguel Campos as managers. The Borchers GMBH established itself as the Bergman Group.

Borchers positioned itself as a pub under the new owners, with special ambiance through numerous innovative activities, refusing to adhere to just one specific trend. We see ourselves as the “flagship of gastronomy,” explained Campos. This is due to the influence of its ownership.

“We serve on both ends of the spectrum. We are also a caterer and serve those who want to eat within their own four walls or want to throw a party at home. We bring everything that is needed or serve everything that is asked for,” said Campos.

Food to Please All

What is served for Sunday brunch? It varies. But, warm food is definitely part of what is being served, be it tomato mozzarella or Lasagna.

“It changes every Sunday. It could be breakfast and lunch or either. We are attempting to try all combinations at the Café Borchers, and try to please all taste buds. Many just want an extended breakfast. Therefore, we offer much as a buffet,” said Campos.

Borchers team always holds its mission in mind, “We want to be THE Eppendorf pub. We want to serve everyone, every taste bud, and want to be known for the great service. Naturally, qualitative great food and drinks are the main stay of this effort,” shared Campos at the end of the interview.

Read the Original Article in German.