Visiting Hamburg? Here's What you Need to Know.
Guy Gowrie-Smith

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I'm disappointed to report that enroute to London on the first leg of my busman’s holiday to Europe my camera was filched by light fingered baggage handlers.
Unfortunately this means no breathtaking images of Shippingbabes draped over sodden shipping magnates (I did obtain one photo - more of that later). Lacking glossy images, I can only offer quick run-down of the "Szene' in Hamburg, that Hanseatic jewel.
Although I traipsed through London and Oslo, they are probably very familiar to most readers, but Hamburg probably less. So, a quick guide to Hamburg:
Bars/Clubs: Been wandering the Ballindamm all day peddling your wares to the various companies who reside there? A beer at 'CIUS' is just the ticket. 'Cius' looks out onto the Binnen Alster (inner Alster lake) to the Vierjahrezeiten Hotel, but you'll spend more time checking out the talent (and they you in your immaculate pin stripes, French cuffs and brogues - flannels and jackets are more the norm in understated Hamburg). Summary: Convenient place to wind down and limber up
Sun's out and you've your been shopping at the Hanse Viertel for your (conveniently at home) girlfriend ? Take a seat at 'The Loft' on the canal side of the Colonaden shopping arcade. The food is fair, the waitresses well proportioned and a good seat gives you a view right down the arcade. This allows you to consider a veritable catwalk from behind your Persols and soak up the sun at the same time. Take an espresso/grappa at Bar Tabac inside the arcade to settle the nerves afterwards. Summary: Pret a Porter meets Pret a Manger
Just closed a deal for 5 newbuilding post panamax container vessels and you've got the itch to get the Kristall popping ? Book a table for yourself at Wollenbergs on the Aussen (outer) Alster. Resurrected from the 'Insel' (island), a legendary nightspot for Hamburg's moneyed set, this place arcs up on Thursday night. Have dinner upstairs then descend into the bar/dancefloor area to get amongst it - its packed and feverish. Shippingbabes are out in force here and they'll appreciate your style on the dancefloor if you dont mind a five figure bar tab. In summer you'll party till the Friday morning sun comes up. Ask the cute waitress from the 'Loft' to accompany you - she'll say yes if you promise her a Prada outfit. Summary: Boogie Nights
Cliff: A puzzling name for a bar residing on the gently sloping banks of the Alster, but maybe it refers to the types that frequent it - often skirting dangerously on the edge of fashionable. A strictly summer location located a short drive in your rented CLK convertible from the city, the view from the parasolled outside bar is always entertaining against the beautiful backdrop of the Alster. Summary: Cannes on the Alster
A good pairing for a night out might be the Hamburg Bar, behind the Atlantic Hotel (used in a Brosnan Bond film) followed by the Shark Club, located in the basement of the Grand Hyatt on Moenckebergstrasse. The Hamburg Bar is oft ignored, but with the lights down low it has an air of cool and big leather armchairs so low you can't but help to compare vital statistics. Black is definitely the safe dress option amongst this set. Summary: Don't look now, but I think she's noticed your Armani suit.
The Shark Club started with a bang but might be seeing some competition these days. However, on a good night the smallish club has a great atmosphere dominated by a huge aquarium at the entrance and a 60's ship construction finish - rivetted iron. The music probably won't work at the Love Parade, but at least you can still find the beat after 10 margeritas and is the perfect finish to a lavish business dinner. Summary: Sharks really do wear suits and ties And to really get an interesting big club experience, go to J's at the Bunker on Friday nights when the big crowds pour in. Located in a huge former WWII bomb shelter, gaining access to the club is a rather interesting "Men in Black" experience itself. If you are there during Eisbein, my call is to get an invitation to the Allship party which was good enough to hit Tradewinds. Summary: Bomb the base
Well, I could go on, but that should keep an energetic traveller occupied for a short while. I avoided restaurants because if your on business you'll be eating with clients and they will choose their favourites for you. Of course, I've also avoided the Reeperbahn, but that's preferably a voyage of self discovery which can begin after visiting a few of the above.

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