Alte bank - southern atmosphere

When you enter the Alte Bank (means old bank) for the first time in the evening, you are impressed. A large room with a high ceiling, supporting pillars and chandeliers lends a certain stately ambience at dusk, fitting for premises with the name "Alte Bank". That's the first impression...

Unfortunately, it sometimes feels more like a train station, and the atmosphere is less stately and instead characterized by a rather high noise level and the ringing theater bell from the Kammertheater. This can hardly be avoided given the space.

In summer, there is the lovely option of going outside to the beer garden, which not only has plenty of space but also lots of shady areas. Perfect for watching the goings-on at St. Stephen's Church even in high summer temperatures and feeling like you're on vacation in the south. The southern atmosphere is rounded off by a corresponding concentration in the choice of food.

BREAKFAST IN THE OLD BANK

If you want to have breakfast here, you should be prepared for a modest breakfast selection and an unfavorable price-performance ratio compared to Karlsruhe.

The highlight for two people is the "Romeo and Juliet", where the platter of roast meat, ham, salami, cheese and vegetables is the central component. Included are two hot drinks, two juices and two glasses of sparkling wine, and you have to "argue" about the muesli, as the bread, croissant and eggs are served twice, but the muesli is not served twice.

If you're feeling peckish, you can choose between a croissant with butter and jam (alternatively honey/Nutella) or two rolls with ham, roast meat, cheese and egg.

If that's not enough and you prefer a vegetarian option, opt for "Hamlet", a mixture of bread and rolls and various types of cheese.

The range of extras is equally straightforward and has no special features. Surprisingly, cornflakes are added to the muesli with fruit without it being recognizable on the menu and the question arises as to why they are not better left out.

However, the offer is then topped up with a variety of cakes, so that even those with a sweet tooth get their money's worth. You'll have to go to the refrigerated display case to find out exactly what's on offer.

HOW TO GET TO THE OLD BANK

The Alte Bank is very centrally located in the city center. It is just as close to the Herrenstraße stop as it is to Europaplatz. And of course there are various parking garages nearby. There are also dozens of bicycle stands, which are also very well used. In summer, you can't really miss the huge beer garden. You couldn't ask for a better location.

The old bench is therefore a popular starting point or place to take a break.