Cologne's traditional pub Leev Marie shines in new splendor after renovation

Cologne's traditional pub Leev Marie shines in new splendor after renovation

The Cologne bar scene has a new highlight: the traditional bar “Leev Marie” in the Lindenthal district has reopened after extensive renovation work. Mark Junglas, the creative mind behind the project, originally wanted to create a smash burger shop. But when he acquired the “Marienbildchen” in December 2024, he quickly realized that there was still a lot of work to be done. The building, which dates back to 1836, was in very poor condition. During the renovation work, a total of seven containers full of building rubble came to light, and the former kitchen was badly moldy, meaning it had to be completely gutted.

Junglas, who quickly organized tradesmen with friends, recorded every step of the renovation work on his social media channels. What's particularly notable is that one of his videos reached almost a million views. On April 4th he was finally able to open the doors to “Leev Marie” after the original opening date during the carnival could not be met. The response to the opening was overwhelmingly positive, but Junglas still sees room for improvement.

Cologne cuisine in focus

The innkeeper is particularly proud of the Cologne specialty Himmel und Äd, which he prepares personally. His goal is to be known for the best heaven and earth in Cologne within the next ten years. This shows that Junglas is not just about reviving a traditional pub, but also about a deeper connection with Cologne cuisine, which can be found not only in breweries and grandmas, but also in traditional corner pubs and restaurants in the city that are known for Rhenish dishes.

The diversity of Cologne cuisine is impressive, with classic dishes such as Halve Hahn, Cologne caviar and, for many, indispensable – Himmel and Äd with Flönz. Constantly changing offers and down-to-earth home cooking make the hearts of lovers of Rhenish traditions beat faster.

The art of smash burgers

What would a pub be without good dining options? This is where the influence of “Burger Vision” comes into play. Originally conceived as a smash burger shop, the resident burger experts don't go unused. They have their own unique smash burger creations in their repertoire that impress with their crispy texture. These burgers, which are already enjoying great success in the branches in Hamburg and Berlin, are prepared in such a way that the inside remains juicy and tasty while the outside becomes crispy.

So a little pioneering spirit didn't hurt, and the combination of traditional Cologne cuisine and the smash burger trend could catapult “Leev Marie” to the top. With a clear focus on quality and taste, the pub could quickly establish itself in the Cologne gastro scene and become a popular meeting place for everyone who wants to combine the good old with the new.

So it remains to be seen how “Leev Marie” will develop and whether Mark Junglas can achieve his ambitious goal. What is clear, however, is that something very special is being created in the heart of Cologne.