Shepheard

If Shepheard set out to make people feel at home, they certainly did a good job. Stepping into this bar – oft considered to be one of the best in Cologne – you could well imagine that you were instead stepping into a friend’s living room, such is the decor and layout of this drinking den. Long and narrow in shape, Shepheard’s wall are lined with sleek leather couches, hung with interesting sculptures and illuminated with muted lighting, which all gives the wonderful effect of feeling like you are enjoying drinks with friends in a homely, yet modern, environment. But don’t let the size or design of Shepheard fool you into thinking that this is any regular cocktail bar – the bartenders here are some of the most celebrated in the city and know how to whip up over 190 different cocktail combinations, according to your particular tastes. Simply tell them your fruit or liquor of choice, and watch them work their mixology magic. An example of their creative talents is the Pandora’s Punch – a heady concoction of tequila, saffron, passionfruit, pomegranate, cream soda and holy smoke, all served up in a spherical punch bowl seated inside a wooden box. The spirits selection, proudly displayed underneath the bar’s name along the back wall, is almost as extensive as the cocktail list, and include top-shelf and German spirits.