PIGALLE BAR

Before you start getting the hand sanitizer out and sneering at the Neukölln neighbours, remember: this is a project from the same guy who runs the legendary Weekend on Alexanderplatz. Yes, stray from the crowds and popular Mitte melees with a visit to Marcus Trojan’s new haunt.

An extended bar and lounge, Pigalle sits in amongst abandoned buildings and storefronts waiting to be restored in this low-rent, student-friendly hood. After a few false starts, it’s now in business for real, with burly bouncers in situ and soundproof walls to keep the fun sequestered inside.

There’s plenty of excitement happening outside, too, in this ghetto-fabulous part of town, but look for the singular red-lit sign in amongst graffitied walls and barred windows. Inside you’ll find deep dark walls, sofas, a polished bar and DJ booths pumping out electronic music until late.

While this isn’t a gay bar as such, look out for the gay Jailbait party every other Saturday for some proper boy-on-boy action. Thursdays are more low-key, with the Off The Shelf night featuring a soundtrack of the DJ’s guilty pleasures.