Germans embrace British-themed hotel experience

WORLD  01 July 2024 - 06:02

CNN carries an article about the Little Britain Inn, a corner of Germany that shall remain forever England, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

The region of Rhineland-Palatinate, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and the winding Rhine River, epitomizes quintessential Germany. Bonn, located nearby, served as the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990, and the area's castles and wooded landscapes have long inspired the Romantic movement. For many, this represents the essence of Germany at its best.

In the tranquil village of Vettelschloss, situated about half an hour south of Cologne, there exists a curious anomaly: a plot of land that, by all appearances, belongs not to Germany but to its historical rival, England. A banner adorned with the colors of the Union Jack, the UK flag, proudly proclaims, "Welcome to Little Britain," draped between two houses.

The entrance is flanked by two imposing statues of lions reminiscent of those in Trafalgar Square, along with grenadier guards and a lineup of classic British cars. Adding to the spectacle, a life-size resin figure of the late Queen Elizabeth sits on a bench beside the door, observing visitors as they come and go. Nearby, Prince William stands with a grin behind another bench, next to the grenadier guards.

Welcome to the Little Britain Inn, a charming corner of Germany that captures the essence of England. Inside, you'll find a traditional British pub adorned with portraits of "Peaky Blinders" actors and life-size Paddington Bears. Pass through to the restaurant, where medieval-style frescoes depict scenes of Robin Hood and his merry men.

Upstairs, spanning across two buildings, are the themed bedrooms. Each room celebrates a different aspect of British culture, from James Bond to the late Queen Elizabeth II, with vibrant frescoes adorning the walls.

Outside, in an open space accessible to all, lies a whimsical display celebrating everything British. Two double-decker buses and life-size statues of iconic characters from film, TV, and literature—including Mr. Bean, Jack Sparrow, Alice in Wonderland, and Shaun the Sheep—create a magical atmosphere. Benches adorned with plaques dedicated to various parts of the UK dot the area. Lifelike British bobbies (policemen) stand at attention beside a red carpet that leads past not one, but two figures of Queen Elizabeth, each gracing their respective buildings.

Wooden huts, which serve as venues for the annual Christmas market and other special events, are adorned with oversized images of the British royals. You'll find depictions of Kate and William, Meghan and Harry, Charles and Camilla, and the late queen alongside Paddington Bear, set against iconic British landscapes.

In a quieter corner of the garden, there's a shrine dedicated to Princess Diana. Every year, a German fan club of the late princess gathers here to honor her memory and pay their respects.

The Little Britain Inn in Vettelschloss has become a beloved spot among Germans, where they celebrate and appreciate British culture. This small enclave symbolizes a place where historic rivals find common ground and cherish mutual interests.

However, the establishment of the Little Britain Inn was not without its challenges—it emerged amidst a cross-cultural disagreement, providing a space to counter the divisive impacts of Brexit.

Gary Blackburn, a British expatriate who moved to Germany in 1985 at the age of 21 with just 50 marks (around $27), a small bag of clothes, and plans to work temporarily as a tree surgeon, ended up staying for nearly four decades. His tree surgery business has taken him across Germany, where he has raised six children and been married twice—first to a German woman and, for the past 22 years, to Monika, originally from Poland.

Despite his cosmopolitan lifestyle, Blackburn has always maintained a strong connection to his homeland. In 2016, following the UK's decision to leave the European Union, he began collecting UK-themed memorabilia starting with an old UK phone booth. This initiative was partly a tribute to his roots and partly a gesture to foster better relations between the UK and the EU.

“I could see changes were coming, and people kept asking my thoughts on Brexit. So, I began collecting items. My goal was to create a space where both Brits and Germans could nurture their friendship,” he explains. “Everyone admires the Queen; Germans still talk about her frequently. I wanted to preserve German-British camaraderie, rather than letting Brexit strain relations.”

The phone booth marked just the beginning. Soon after came the first life-size model of the Queen, followed by more additions. Two iconic double-decker London buses, including one from 1966, the year England famously defeated Germany in the World Cup soccer final, became the focal point of what he humbly describes as "a bit of a collection." In total, Blackburn now possesses four buses, with two currently undergoing restoration. "I may have gone a bit overboard," he admits.

Initially, Blackburn stored his collection at his home on the outskirts of the village. German visitors exploring the Rhine area would stop by for a look, a photo, and a chat. However, in 2018, he encountered a setback. His latest acquisition was a tank, prompting objections from neighbors and subsequent intervention by local authorities.

According to Blackburn, the tank was not meant as a declaration of war. He emphasizes that it's a post-war model and serves as a monument to freedom and peace. "It's a reminder of the horrors of war," he explains. The footpath near his house leads to land where intense fighting occurred during World War II. "I had no malicious intent. I wanted to provoke thought, not sweep history under the rug."

He definitely made an impact. When authorities ordered him to dismantle his exhibition, it sparked international headlines and drew widespread support from Germans who had appreciated his tribute to the UK while biking and hiking along the Rhine. It seemed like it was the end of the road... But Blackburn had a clever trick up his sleeve.

Caliber.Az