50 years Hanse Stube

Cologne institution celebrates anniversary

Half a century of fine dining, historical encounters and Rhenish hospitality: the Hanse Stube at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst celebrates its 50th anniversary on January 12, 2026. To mark the anniversary, head chef Lars Wolf is focusing on selected classics from the Hanse Stube's historical recipe archive. The 5-course anniversary menu spans five decades.

FROM THE SMALL GRILLSTUBE TO THE COLOGNE INSTITUTION
Since its opening on January 12, 1976, the Hanse Stube in its current form has been the culinary heart of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst - a place where tradition, craftsmanship and elegance come together. Over the decades, what was once a small barbecue parlor has developed into a restaurant that still stands for fine hospitality, classic cuisine and special occasions. In the rooms furnished by Count Pilati, the atmosphere is still characterized by mahogany panelling, English furniture, selected paintings and specially made porcelain and cutlery. The Hanse Stube combines tried-and-tested classics with contemporary accents and has helped shape the culinary profile of the hotel for over five decades. Today, it is a fixture of Cologne's gastronomy - and a flagship of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst far beyond the city.

PROMINENT GUESTS AND SOCIAL GLORY OVER THE YEARS
Over the years, the Hanse Stube developed into the "parlor of Cologne society" and a meeting place for personalities from the worlds of politics, culture and business. Princess Diana, King Charles III, Maria Callas and Romy Schneider were among those who took a seat in the Hanse Stube. During Bonn's reign, the restaurant provided a discreet setting for political discussions and confidential meetings, where important decisions were often prepared. The film world also discovered the special charm of the Hanse Stube: in 2014, it served as the backdrop for the Hollywood film "Collide" starring Anthony Hopkins.

TRADITION THAT CONNECTS - THE ANNIVERSARY MENU
"Fifty years of Hanse Stube is a milestone that stands for quality, consistency and unforgettable moments. Even today, the Hanse Stube is the restaurant of Cologne society - the place where special celebrations are held, tradition is cultivated and extraordinary moments are shared. We are celebrating this anniversary with everyone who shares our passion for first-class cuisine and hospitality," says Georg Plesser, Managing Director of the hotel.
To mark the 50th anniversary, head chef Lars Wolf was inspired by the historical recipes in the hotel's archive and used them to develop an exclusive 5-course anniversary menu that brings classic favorites from past decades to life in a modern way. The menu will be served from January 12 to February 1, 2026 and accompanied by a selection of exquisite wines from the past five decades.
"It's something special to bring the tradition of the Hanse Stube into the present and set new culinary accents at the same time," says head chef Lars Wolf. "I'm looking forward to welcoming many familiar faces and perhaps one or two new faces to our historic rooms in January to mark the anniversary."

RESERVATION POSSIBILITIES
The anniversary menu will be served daily from January 12 to February 1, 2026 from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 18:00 to 22:00. At lunchtime, guests can enjoy a historic three-course lunch for EUR 50 per person, and in the evening the Grand Hotel Classic Menu: an exclusive five-course menu spanning five decades for EUR 150 per person.

Further information at www.excelsiorhotelernst.com