Ahmet Özkan setting up his new pub Mathilda © in private
With the Gorilla Bar in Neuhausen, Ahmet Özkan has created one of the most popular bars in Munich. Now the restaurateur is launching his new project: The pub "Mathilda" is to become the friendliest restaurant in the city.
Munich - They were one heart and one soul: Mathilda was at Ahmet Özkan's side for 13 years. The restaurateur still loves his cat today - and has now honored it in a special way. Because "Mathilda" is now also the name of the new pub that Özkan has opened in Neuhausen. It should be the "friendliest restaurant in Munich," he says.
In Neuhausen and beyond, Ahmet Özkan became known years ago through the Gorilla Bar. Lovers of good drinks and a rustic atmosphere stop by here - a pearl near Rotkreuzplatz, which is located at Hirschbergstraße 23. Özkan has now launched his next project in the house next door: Mathilda at Sedlmayrstraße 18 has been open for a few days. There are only vegan dishes here - and in the future also musical evening programs.
Ahmet Özkan with his beloved cat Mathilda - after her he has named © his new pub privately
"Mathilda is our patron saint," says Ahmet, smiling. Only since his cat died in 2018 has the host grown a beard, which has now reached an official length. "Mathilda now lives on in the name of my new pub". There will be a big opening there at the beginning of June - then the large Schani garden, on which the evening sun shines in Neuhausen, will also be opened. But even now, the "Mathilda" offers vegan delicacies such as tarte flambée (from 12.90 euros) or pasta (from 9.50 euros), which is prepared by professional chef Manuel, whom Ahmet Özkan has hired for his new project. In addition, beer from the Hohentanner brewery is served (Helles four euros) as well as drinks such as gin and tonic or Cuba Libre.
Munich: Ahmet Özkan from the Gorilla Bar opens a new pub in Neuhausen
In the logo of the innkeeper's bar, Mathilda the cat is now immortalized privately ©
"Mathilda is still supposed to be a bar and not just a restaurant," says Ahmet - this is how he defines his innkeeper's bar, which can accommodate around 110 guests, and another 50 in the Schani Garden. "We have completely renovated and replaced the electrics." Vegan food and zero waste is the concept - but there will also be music and cabaret to be heard. A piano is on permanent loan in the pub, on Saturday Ahmet Özkan organized a soul evening (motto: "Strictly Vinyl"), next week DJ Pascal will play again on site. Özkan also wants to open his pub bar for cabaret, and plans for stand-ups are already underway. Thursday from 18 p.m. to 21 p.m., the city has already approved performances.
Through the Gorilla Bar, host Ahmet Özkan became known © in Neuhausen and beyond: Sigi Jantz
Ahmet Özkan already proved how much power there is in his new project at the end of February: Mathilda was filled to the brim when the landlord opened once during the renovation phase and organized a benefit concert - the proceeds were donated to the earthquake victims in Turkey. Around 6500 euros were collected in this way. In June, Ahmet Özkan wants to get started with his pub bar - cat Mathilda is of course at the start, she adorns the logo of the new location.
