“Blow Up” revival Cult bar re-opens at Sterntorbrücke
Bonn · A year after having to close its doors at the Viktoriakarree, the “Blow Up” bar and establishment is back again. Offering vintage charm and 60’s music, it’s open until the wee hours of the morning.
He had to hold back a few tears due to the anticipation of it all. Simon was a regular guest at the “Blow Up” cult bar when it closed down a year ago because the location was marked for development. After a year of being left high and dry, the old place was opening up in a new place - at Sterntorbrücke 7. It was just a tiny bit in reverse. “It feels a little strange that the bar is now on the opposite side,” commented Simon.
Besides that minor change, owner Oliver Helmerath, manager Daniel Christel and the team have done everything they can to replicate the exact look of their former establishment. They took with them around 85 percent of the old furnishings. And the 60’s music will be staying too. “We hope that this charm will again speak to the people,” said staff member Charlie Tolmaci. She had worked at “Blow Up” for six years before it closed down and is very happy that it’s open for business again.
One compliment that gets heard many times: “Blow Up has grown up.” This refers to the fact that it achieved the big move without losing its identity. Says Helmerath, “Still vintage, but not old and worn-out looking.” Christel added that when the bar had to close down at the Viktoriakarree, it was clear to everyone involved that this would not be the end of it. “The establishment had too much heart and soul.”
“Blow Up was our living room,” said Simon, who lives nearby in a student apartment and was a regular for seven years at the place. “I don’t know how many times they had to throw me out in the early morning,” he said. And the new “Blow Up” will still be open until 5am.
(Orig. Text: kpo / Translation: ckloep)
