Saturday 5th January 2013
Bob Thompson
Although it looks a bit like an old railway goods shed from the outside, the former use of this building was as a slaughterhouse and there is some evidence of this on the inside.
On a freezing night compatriot Steve and I walked from the rather sparse and unfriendly environment of Nürtingen railway station. As we approached we could hear a band playing. This was not in the restaurant area where we were headed, but at the other end of the building, which is a live music venue under the same management.
For a Saturday night it was fairly quiet and we had no difficulty obtaining a table. As you enter, the bar and service area are to the left, and the main room opens out to the right. Further to the right was another room with some tables and the brewery itself. There appeared to be a private party in this area.
We had a look around and there were several big clues as to the former use of the building. Not least the huge electric saw dangling above the bar and the large overhead transporter with hook suspended.
There are two regular beers Naturtrübes (Organic) Pilsener (4.8%) and Hefeweizen (5.1%). We had the former and liked it a lot as it had good bitterness.
There is often a seasonal beer and on this visit we were very lucky as it was Winterbock (6.6%). Even though I was to have several beers of this style during my week or so in Germany this was by far and away the best. Light and golden in colour it was far from light in taste as it had a real, almost tangible taste of the season. It was made with pale malt and Hallertauer hops and had good bitterness for this type of beer. Its primary fermentation was for nine days and then it was lagered for ten weeks and this care and attention showed through as it was a magnificent beer.
We ate here and although I can't remember exactly what I had, I do recollect it was a traditional local dish and I enjoyed it. There were plenty of groups in who were just drinking and in front of the bar itself there were several upright tables for imbibers. We liked this pub greatly and recommend it unreservedly.
Important Information:
Schlachthof, Mühlstrasse 15, Nürtingen 72622. Tel: 0702 293 9571
Open: Monday to Saturday 11.00-01.00; Sundays and Holidays 11.00-24.00
The pub is around fifteen minutes walk from Nürtingen railway station which is served by Regional (RB) and Regional Express (RE) trains. From the station to the pub, cross the car park outside, climb the steps up to Europastrasse and continue along this dead straight road. At the point it veers left, you turn right into Mühlstrasse. Cross the road and on left you will see the pub up a short side road.
Update October 2017. Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11.00-24.00.