Josef Friedmann’s
THE TIROLER HUT
A Culinary and Musical Oasis in the Heart of London
By: Gift Olaitan Ologun
Discover the rich culinary heritage of Austrian fare with a side of live music at The Tiroler Hut, nestled in the heart of London’s Westbourne Grove. Step into this charming restaurant and prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey through the alpine flavors of Austria. From hearty schnitzel to cold beer and of course a yodeling session, Austrian cuisine is renowned for its comforting warmth and bold flavors. At The Tiroler Hut, guests are invited to indulge in authentic dishes crafted with traditional recipes and premium ingredients. To complement the dining experience, the restaurant offers live music, adding an extra layer of ambiance to its cozy setting. Whether you’re craving a schnitzel or eager to try a slice of Sacher torte, The Tiroler Hut promises a taste of Austria right in the heart of London. Meet Josef Friedmann, the host of this amazing restaurant who has been at the helmet of this wonderous adventure with his family since it opened in 1967.
In the heart of London’s bustling Westbourne Grove lies a quaint Austrian gem, The Tiroler Hut. Stepping into this charming restaurant, guests are greeted not only by the aroma of hearty Austrian cuisine but also by the enchanting melodies of traditional Tyrolean folk music. Josef Friedmann, the host and soul behind The Tiroler Hut, shares the inspirations and passions that led to the creation of this beloved establishment
“It started with the love of music, and in particular, of Austrian music,” begins Josef, his eyes bright with nostalgia. “I lived there when I was younger, and that Tyrolean folk music felt to me so full of happiness and joy.” His journey into the world of music began with the accordion, an instrument that resonated deeply with him. “That’s what prompted me to learn the accordion,” he recalls fondly. The desire to share the infectious spirit of Tyrolean music with others was the seed that planted the idea for The Tiroler Hut. “The Hut was really born so I could have somewhere to perform and hopefully share the love of that music with my customers,” Josef explains, his passion for both music and hospitality evident in his words.
In crafting the identity of The Tiroler Hut, Josef was determined that it must pay homage to the rich heritage of Tyrol. “It had to be something that mentioned Tyrol because of that genre of music,” he explains thoughtfully. “Generic Austrian wouldn’t have worked, and Vienna, for example, would’ve been completely different.” The name, Tiroler Hut, embodies the essence of Tyrolean culture, evoking images of cozy mountain huts nestled amidst picturesque landscapes. It serves as a reminder of the authenticity and specificity that Josef sought to infuse into every aspect of his restaurant.
From its humble beginnings rooted in a love for music to its flourishing presence as a beacon of Austrian culture in London, The Tiroler Hut stands as a testament to Josef Friedmann’s dedication and vision. As guests dine on delectable Austrian fare and tap their feet to the lively tunes of the accordion, they become part of a tradition that celebrates the joyous spirit of Tyrol.
“The Hut was really born so I could have somewhere to perform and hopefully share the love of that music with my customers,”
The Tiroler Hut stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit. In this exclusive interview with Josef Friedmann, the visionary behind this beloved Austrian restaurant, he gave us a peep into the remarkable journey of The Tiroler Hut and its enduring impact on the local neighborhood. “Westbourne Grove was considered to be a rough area in the ‘60s, and, indeed, it was,” reflects Josef, his voice tinged with memories of a bygone era. “We had lots of Austrian and German customers from the off, but the local gangsters tried to come often.”
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Despite the challenges posed by the neighborhood’s tumultuous past, Josef and his team persevered, aided by the unwavering support of the local authorities. “Thankfully, we had the help of the local police in smoking them out, and it all got a bit easier after that,” he shares, a testament to the resilience and determination that defined The Tiroler Hut’s early years.
At the heart of The Tiroler Hut lies a culinary philosophy rooted in warmth and tradition. “It’s all about hearty, homely Austrian food,” Josef affirms, “As if you’d gathered round your Oma’s table and were having some dinner as a family.” From savory schnitzels to comforting stews, each dish served at The Tiroler Hut embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort, inviting guests to experience the flavors of Austria with every bite.
Beyond its delectable cuisine and charming ambiance, The Tiroler Hut owes much of its success to the vibrant community that surrounds it. “The local community is a huge factor in the success and charm of the Hut,” Josef acknowledges warmly. “Not only have they been coming since it opened, but when an incident with fire happened, we had so many people knocking on the door and e-mailing and phoning to say the area felt bereft of it.” In times of adversity, The Tiroler Hut emerged as a beacon of familiarity and companionship, a place where friends and neighbors could come together and find solace in each other’s company.
As The Tiroler Hut continues to weave its strings of flavors and melodies in the heart of Westbourne Grove, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of community and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream.
In the wake of adversity, The Tiroler Hut emerged not just as a restaurant, but as a testament to resilience and homage to history. Josef Friedmann, the custodian of this iconic establishment, shares the journey of rebuilding and reimagining The Tiroler Hut in the aftermath of a devastating fire. “When we rebuilt the Hut after the fire, the goal was to pay homage to the 1960s during which it opened and to make sure it felt like it might be somewhere in Tyrol,” Josef reflects. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every nook and cranny of The Tiroler Hut, from the rustic beams to the warm glow of lanterns casting their gentle light. “The beams, wood, and lanterns are all essential to that, as are the murals by local artist Isotta Reichenbach,” Josef adds, underscoring the significance of local artistry in capturing the essence of Tyrolean charm.
“We hope to continue to offer fun and different nightlife in London, with live music and plenty of cheer,”
Central to The Tiroler Hut’s allure is its commitment to authenticity and simplicity in its culinary offerings. “The consistency comes from our menu being simple and pared-back, and in ensuring as many of the ingredients are the same as those used in Austria,” Josef explains, his reverence for tradition palpable. From scratch-made dishes crafted with precision to sourcing ingredients reminiscent of Austrian homeliness, each bite at The Tiroler Hut transports patrons to the heart of Tyrolean gastronomy. Beyond its gastronomic delights, The Tiroler Hut serves as a melting pot of personalities and passions. “The essence of the Hut can be summarized in the motley people who come in,” Josef muses. “On any night, you might have an A-lister tucked into a corner, next to the local regular who’s been coming for 50+ years, who is in turn next to a bunch of local artists celebrating a birthday.” It’s this eclectic mix of patrons that infuses The Tiroler Hut with an irresistible allure, creating an atmosphere brimming with creativity and camaraderie.
Looking ahead, Josef remains steadfast in his commitment to offering a haven of merriment and music in the heart of London. “We hope to continue to offer fun and different nightlife in London, with live music and plenty of cheer,” he declares, his enthusiasm undimmed by the passage of time. For Josef, The Tiroler Hut isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to his enduring love for London and its vibrant energy.
As Josef Friedmann, now 85, reflects on his journey, one thing remains abundantly clear: his unwavering passion for life and the simple joys it brings. “I’m a happy man, primarily,” he shares, a smile playing on his lips. “I feel very lucky that that’s my default state.” Whether immersing himself in the serenity of nature or orchestrating the symphony of flavors at The Tiroler Hut, Josef’s zest for life continues to inspire all who cross his path.
