“Aufsperren statt Zusperren!”: Can AustriaS Pubs Be Saved?
Episode 1: “Droß – Teh Community Center” (airs February 18th at 10:01 PM on ORF 1 and available 24 hours prior on ORF ON)
Kira Schinko, as the “Pub Rescuer,” travels across Austria with a clear mission: to reopen vacant pubs for a day and assess their potential for the future. She meets former regulars, publicans, local celebrities, and collaborates with renowned regional chefs and restaurateurs – including Philip Rachinger (Mühltalhof), theresia Palmetzhofer (Zur Palme), Marie Rahofer-Reisetbauer and Felix haiderer (gasthof Rahofer), Josef and Elisabeth Floh (Der Floh in langenlebarn), Harald Irka, Lisa Gasser and René Kollegger (am Pfarrhof), as well as Yannik Steer, Johanna Maroušek and elli Hackstein (Wirtshaus zum dritten Tage) – to connect people, ideas, and potential leaseholders. Together, they explore abandoned establishments and learn about their former importance to local life through conversations with previous owners and patrons.
[Image of Kira Saskia Schinko in Droß, Waldviertel, Austria, standing in an empty pub.caption: Kira Saskia Schinko is a guest in Droß in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria. Credit: Jenseide]
Kira Schinko: “The pub is much more than just a place to eat and drink.In a time of digital bubbles, such real-life meeting places are more important than ever. I want to show that behind the closed doors lies not only nostalgia, but above all a huge opportunity for the future.”
In the premiere episode, Kira Schinko visits Droß in the Waldviertel region. The municipality is well-known for its numerous clubs and associations,but lacks a pub where people can gather,as the last publican has closed its doors. With the help of award-winning chef Josef Floh (Der Floh) and winemaker Silke Mayr (Vorspannhof Mayr), Kira gives the local clubs their beloved “Frühschoppen” (early afternoon beer gathering) back for a day.
This program airs Wednesday, February 18th, at 10:01 PM on ORF 1 and is available 24 hours in advance on ORF ON.
Sources:
* https://orf.at/stories/3331494/ (ORF article about the show – used for confirming details)
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