«Altes Tramdepot», where Bernese beer flows freely

Microbrewery Fridays - Jonas Follonier

It's not just in French-speaking Switzerland that beer, a divine beverage if ever there was one, is available in countless craft formulas. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, over three hundred microbreweries will be lining your path as a thirsty pilgrim. Fortunately, since April.., Le Regard Libre has taken it upon itself to make this journey for you: no need to put on your shoes and melt under the atrocious sun, each week we present you with a wide variety of brewing niches that will allow you to go straight to the ones that speak most to your throat. Yes, because if the throat is the instrument of singers, it's also the instrument of beer drinkers. And you'll agree that these are often the same people.

So here we are in the realm of Swiss Germans this week, bringing you the «Altes Tramdepot», a renowned venue in the Swiss capital. Founded in 1998, this Bernese establishment seats two hundred and ten people inside and two hundred and seventy outside. The Altes Tramdepot is not only a great restaurant offering affordable dishes, but also a traditional brasserie well worth a visit. It's even the heart of the establishment, according to its staff.

All their hopped beverages are 100% natural and additive-free. You can enjoy «Tram-Helles», a bottom-fermented lager (which requires the addition of bottom-fermenting yeast to the wort), on their large terrace or directly in the brewery, as a light and effective beverage all year round. Tram-Märzen« and »Tram-Weizen« are more interesting: with their strong, caramelized malt, they represent Viennese and Bavarian beer types respectively, and offer a variety of tastes on the palate. If you're passing through Bern, you'll have to drop in and let us know what you think... back home. Cheers!

Write to the author : jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Altes Tramdepot