When we heard about Das Gift, a new ultra-hip bar in north Neukölln owned by a group of expat artist friends including Glaswegian multi-instrumentalist Barry Burns of Mogwai fame, we were frankly skeptical. We expected something showy and affected.
Yet the first surprise is that Das Gift doesn’t look much different than your typical neighborhood Eckkneipe; the owners maintained the original décor from the bar’s prior life as the Donau-Eck. In fact, Das Gift resembles a cosy chalet – and we mean that in the best sense. The emphasis here is not on ‘coolness’ but rather on warmth: big candles flicker on large wood tables against a soundtrack of low-key indie pop (minimal techno is as good as barred round these parts).
Settle into one of the two comfortable armchairs at the back and taste one of the Scottish beers on offer – there’s a changing selection every week (around €3 euros per pint), or try their Scottish version of a long vodka, which includes a shot of bitter lemonade.
If it’s slow, you can have a chat with Burns’ wife Rachel, who often works the bar. And for the peckish, there’s still one more gift in store: salt and vinegar crisps, the ultimate pub snack!
