“We used to go to the Condi on Sundays” – many Hamburgers will fondly recall their first visits to the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. They met at the Condi for a coffee and a chat after a long walk around the Alster, or through the elegant shopping streets in the city centre. They would sit in the so-called “hay loft” – through which those on horseback used to pass at the turn of the 20th century to enjoy the hospitality of the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten – and squint at the glistening waters of the Inner Alster. The air smelt of fresh coffee, and their hearts beat faster when the Condi ladies came to serve them with attractive-looking cakes and pies in their white aprons and bonnets.

In front of the door was the Condi carriage – a pony wagon with coach and lantern. In the loading area was a giant box of chocolates decorated with an even bigger ribbon. Even back then, the inscription “Home delivery – cakes, pies, pralines and ice cream” promised our guests they could enjoy sweet treats at home.

With the opening of the cake shop “Café Condi” in 1934, Fritz Haerlin, who took over the business from his father Friedrich Haerlin in the same year, managed to successfully revive the style of the Biedermeier era of the 19th century. The works of art, chandeliers and lamps which still adorn the Café Condi in its new look today are the originals dating back to 1830, which have been lovingly reconditioned.