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Berlin's Späti Scene Evolves: New Faces, Changing Roles

Meet Serdar, the new face of Berlin's Späti scene, and Naciye, whose 'Ballerbude' remains a beloved community hub. As Spätis decline, these kiosks continue to evolve and connect locals.

This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles,...
This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles, passenger lifts, name boards, stalls, lights, light boards,group of people.

Berlin's Späti Scene Evolves: New Faces, Changing Roles

Berlin's Späti scene is evolving, with new faces taking over these late-night kiosks. Serdar has recently taken charge of the Späti at Viktoriapark in Berlin-Kreuzberg, tailoring his offerings to young locals and implementing rules to curb theft and disputes. Meanwhile, in Oer-Erkenschwick, Naciye continues to run her beloved 'Ballerbude' kiosk, providing a wide range of products and a listening ear to her customers.

Spätis, or 'Trinkhallen', have long been cherished meeting points across Germany. However, their numbers are dwindling. In Berlin alone, the count has halved in a decade, with around 1000 still operating. These late-night kiosks are increasingly becoming affordable alternatives to traditional pubs.

The documentary 'Die Trinkhalle', part of the series '37 Grad', explores this phenomenon. Directed by Anna Kaisu Rimpeläinen, the film delves into the changing role of Spätis in German society. Meanwhile, regular customers of Naciye's 'Ballerbude' kiosk enjoy joint outings and personal conversations, making her service unique and endearing.

Serdar's takeover at Viktoriapark and Naciye's continued service at 'Ballerbude' reflect the evolving landscape of Spätis. Despite the decline in numbers, these kiosks remain vital community hubs, offering a range of goods and fostering personal connections among patrons.

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