Sion Brauhaus, Cologne

Brauhaus Sion – the “beating heart” of Sion Kölsch beer – is a traditional historic brewery and inn in the middle of Cologne's Old Town. Hospitality has been celebrated here since 1318 when a tavern at Unter Taschenmacher No. 5 (Under Bagmaker #5) was first mentioned in the city documents.

Originally, the facility on the site of today's Sion beer-house specialized in brewing of the so-called Medebier (mead), using herbs and honey. Since the brewing rights in Cologne, at that time, were always tied to the actual location, it is safe to assume that the beer was made right inside the building.

Over the course of centuries, the brewery had changed hands repeatedly until, eventually, Jean Sion from an Eifel brewing dynasty took over the business and laid foundation for the success story of Sion Kölsch. He ran it until his death in 1915, upon which his heirs followed as owners.

The brewery was heavily damaged by bombing in 1942 and at the end of World War II was completely destroyed. After the war, Hans Sion – praised as the “Father of Kölsch” – had the house rebuilt and started trading under the current name "Brauhaus Sion". The actual brewing was no longer done on the premises, but shifted to other Cologne breweries. After Hans Sion's death in 1998, his son Hans Georg Sion inherited the place, now comprising the "Unter Taschenmacher No. 3-11" complex capable of seating up to 600 guests. Today, René Sion continues to lead the brewery in the fourth generation.

The "Brauhaus Sion" inn, furnished in a rustic brewery style, mainly offers specialties from the regional Rhenish cuisine. Little things like Halver Hahn, Rievkoche or Kölsch caviar are also served here alongside Sion Kölsch on the tap.