Früh em Veedel
A listed brewpub of Cölner Hofbräu Früh on Chlodwigplatz with its own distilling tradition, known locally as the "Invalidendom".
Brauhaus Früh em Veedel at Chlodwigplatz is a tradition-steeped Cologne pub in the Severinsviertel that, as a former schnapps distillery, still produces its own spirits to this day. The listed brick building belongs to Cölner Hofbräu Früh – and should not be confused with the well-known "Früh am Dom".
At a glance
- Address
- Chlodwigplatz 28, Cologne's Severinsviertel (Neustadt-Süd)
- Type
- Kölsch brewpub with its own distilling tradition
- Building
- three-storey brick structure from 1885/1886, neo-Gothic
- Heritage listing
- since 28 February 1985 (Monument List No. 2802)
- Operator
- Cölner Hofbräu P. Josef Früh KG (since 1979)
- Beer
- Früh Kölsch on tap
- Seating
- 80 in the dining room, 40 on the outdoor terrace, plus a large bar area
- Nickname
- "Invalidendom" – in Cologne vernacular
From distillery to neighbourhood brewpub
The building went up in the mid-1880s on the site of the medieval city wall, which had been torn down from 1880 onwards. From the very beginning, schnapps and liqueur were distilled here: over several generations the Hermann family ran the distillery and tavern before Cölner Hofbräu Früh took over the establishment in 1979. The distilling tradition has never been lost – to this day, house specialities are still made here, such as the herbal schnapps "Alter Ulan", the duo "Deck und Dönn" and the peppermint liqueur "Stippeföttche".
Rustic ambience steeped in history
Even after the change of ownership, the character of the old tavern was preserved. A historic still along with numerous murals and old photographs recall its days as a schnapps distillery. The menu is dominated by hearty, traditional dishes of Rhineland cuisine – served alongside Früh Kölsch on tap, in the typical Kölsch neighbourhood atmosphere.
"Invalidendom" – a name with a wink
In Cologne parlance, the Veedelsfrüh goes by the nickname "Invalidendom", a nod to its Parisian namesake. The reason: in earlier times, veterans liked to gather here – a detail that still shapes the pub's neighbourly, history-laden character today.
Map
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Address
Chlodwigpl. 28
50678 Köln
Hours
Mo: 16:00–00:00
Di: 16:00–00:00
Mi: 16:00–00:00
Do: 16:00–00:00
Fr: 11:00–01:00
Sa: 11:00–01:00
Contact
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Sources & links
- Official website
- Official website (retrieved 2026-08-19)
- Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-08-18, rev 260266157)
- Wikidata (retrieved 2026-08-18)
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-08-18
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