The many global crises and the struggle for the conversion have dried up the Menterschwaige beer garden on the Harlachinger Isarhochufer for the coming season – however, an end to the dry spell is in sight: As the owner has now announced, the local building commission (LBK) already approved the conversion plans on 30 June December 2022 approved. There are now no legal obstacles to the renovation of the interior of the main building, which was built in 1899, and the construction of a pavilion for the taverns and snack stands.
Despite the lack of strength and material, company spokesman Ralf Kunkel is confident on behalf of the new owner, Qcoon Real Estate, that the beer garden can be reopened “in new splendor” in 2024 – as early in the season as possible. The real estate company bought the estate and beer garden from the Kuffler family, the innkeepers, in autumn 2020, which in itself did not make any particular waves. That changed after the LBK rejected an initial building application in spring 2021.
Right from the start, the interior renovation of the main wing with the main aim of modernizing the fire protection and hygiene technology was indisputable. However, the LBK had rejected the plan for a two-story extension to the east of the beer garden, where an old outhouse now stands, as oversized and not in line with the preservation order. After the client had made it clear that he could not continue to operate the beer garden economically without the construction, the matter became a political issue with accompanying music from the town hall and state chancellery. Building officials and conservationists thought it plausible to bundle the stands that were chaotically distributed across the site in one place, as they block the view of the historic main building.
Shortly before Christmas 2021, Qcoon then submitted a slimmed-down building application: the extension could be cut by a third and one floor, among other things by moving 22 guest rooms to the main building. Ultimately, a tree protection concept that is intended to preserve “Munich’s shadiest beer garden” was convincing.
The Menterschwaige will also dare to restart in terms of personnel: Nockherberg and Wiesn landlord Christian Schottenhamel had terminated the lease in March 2022 due to the long break, a successor is being sought. The company spokesman did not want to confirm reports of a brewery change from Paulaner to Augustiner.