Schankhalle Pfefferberg: Where Berlin brewing meets the heart

From the bustling Schönhauser Allee in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, a staircase leads upwards, away from the city’s noise. Those who climb these steps enter Pfefferberg, a place of Berlin’s industrial history. Here, amidst restored 19th-century brick buildings, you will find the Schankhalle Pfefferberg.

My first impression is defined by contrasts. The historic masonry tells stories from a time when horse-drawn carriages rattled through here. Inside the brewpub, the brewing kettles gleam, and the modern furnishings make it feel less like a traditional pub and more like a good restaurant. We entered the Schankhalle Pfefferberg with great anticipation.

A Place with Soul: The Inclusion Concept

What truly makes the Schankhalle unique is not just the beer. It is an inclusion business, where people with and without disabilities work hand in hand. This concept lends the place a special soul and an open, warm atmosphere that you feel from the very first moment.

The Man Behind the Kettle: Master Brewer Thorsten Schoppe

At the center of the brewing art is Thorsten Schoppe, a veteran of the Berlin craft beer scene. He doesn’t simply ride the wave—he helped start it in Berlin. Since founding Schoppe Bräu in 2001, he has been known for his creativity and uncompromising commitment to quality.

The idea of making brewing his profession came to him back in 1990. This was followed by a classic, two-year apprenticeship as a brewer and maltster at the Feldschlösschen Brewery in Braunschweig. He is said to have already used raw materials from the teaching brewery back then to brew his first own beers at home in the cellar. He moved to Berlin to study brewing technology.

This blend of traditional training and creative experimentation defines his beers to this day. He exclusively uses hops, malt, and water. Filtration and heat treatment are consistently avoided, with the goal of preserving all natural aromas in the beer, thus making it more flavorful.

Hand-Brewed with Heart: The Schankhalle Beers

The brewing at Pfefferberg is like a revival of a nearly forgotten era. After a break of over 90 years, beer is flowing here again, entirely in the tradition of the founder Joseph Pfeffer and his bottom-fermented brewing method. The result is a palette of beers that appeals to both classic and modern beer lovers.

Bergpils

A Pilsner as it should be—sparkling and with a pleasantly present bitterness. The official description promises a “fruity hop aroma,” and indeed, one finds subtle citrus notes on the nose, which make the beer refreshing and lively. On the palate, it is crisp, dry, and highly drinkable.

I drank the beer and was surprised at how drinkable it is. The glass was empty faster than I thought.

Red Ale

A reddish-blonde Ale with a light, fruity malt note. Caramel and toffee aromas dominate, accompanied by a gentle bitterness that beautifully balances the beer. A very approachable and harmonious beer.

Citra Pale Ale

The American influence is evident here. The Ale is packed with the aroma of Citra hops, giving it intense notes of citrus fruits, grapefruit, and a hint of exotic fruits. A refreshing, hop-forward beer for lovers of modern styles.

Tropic Ale

This India Pale Ale goes one step further, presenting itself as a “small fruit basket.” Intense tropical aromas of mango, passion fruit, and pineapple define the character of this beer. The bitterness is noticeable but well-integrated and provides a long, fruity finish.

Craftsmanship on the Plate: The Brauhaus Cuisine

I would describe the culinary philosophy of the Schankhalle as a “reinterpreted brewpub cuisine.” The focus is on regional and seasonal ingredients.

The dishes are named after traditional brewery fare, but once the plate is in front of you, you quickly realize—it’s different! For example, I ordered a “Brettle” (a platter) with various dips. Far too much for me alone, but incredibly good. Patrick chose the suckling pig and was thrilled with the quality of the meat.

More Than Just Drinking: The On-Site Experiences

• Brewery Tour: In small, intimate groups, you can take a look behind the scenes, see the gleaming kettles up close, and ask the brewers questions.
• Brewing Course: The ultimate experience for beer fans! Here, you can spend a whole day brewing your own beer side-by-side with Master Brewer Thorsten Schoppe—from crushing the malt to pitching the yeast.
• Tasting: If you can’t decide, you can try five different beers in “shots” during a tasting to find your favorite, accompanied by suitable small snacks.

A Place with History: Pfefferberg

Drinking a beer in the Schankhalle Pfefferberg means sitting on the layers of a turbulent Berlin history. It’s worth exploring the grounds a bit after your beer.

The history begins in 1841 when the Bavarian master brewer Joseph Pfeffer founded the first brewery for bottom-fermented beer in the north of Berlin here. After a heyday in the late 19th century, brewing operations ceased in 1921.

What followed is a reflection of German history: The grounds housed a chocolate factory with ties to Sarotti, a large bakery, and after the Second World War, during the GDR era, the printing house for the SED’s central organ, Neues Deutschland. After years of decay, the listed area was saved from demolition after the fall of the Wall by the Pfefferwerk e.V. association.

The heart of cultural life on the Pfefferberg is the Pfefferberg Theater. With a varied program ranging from contemporary circus and dance to family shows, readings, and comedy slams, it attracts a wide audience.

Another cultural highlight is the Tchoban Foundation – Museum for Architectural Drawing. Changing exhibitions featuring architectural drawings from various eras are shown here in a striking, modern building. Additionally, numerous galleries and studios enrich the art scene on the Pfefferberg.

Pfefferberg is also an important location for education and social projects. The Pfefferwerk Foundation is the owner of the area and operates various non-profit institutions here. These include the Pfefferwerk Akademie gGmbH, a vocational school for social pedagogy, and WeTeK Berlin gGmbH, which is involved in the fields of education, work, culture, and media. Pfefferwerk Stadtkultur gGmbH also has its office here and is responsible for concerts, events, and training in “Haus 13.”

The diverse offerings at Pfefferberg are supplemented by a hostel, the “Pfefferbett Hostel,” which provides affordable accommodation.

Visitor Information

Adresse

Schönhauser Allee 176, 10119 Berlin

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