It was 8 o’clock and still dark when we went our way to Munster in Germany this morning, likely the last German Christmas market trip this season.

It’s been over four years since we were last there, and I recall the city surprised me nicely then. The medieval city center lined with buildings as old as time would surely have its own market this time of year, as well as the square in front of St Paul’s cathedral which I remember was already a busy market the last time.

Once we got there, found parking, and started walking around, I felt it was already miles better than the chaos in Monschau and Aachen last week —- by far. The first point of order though was lunch, and the closest one to us then was the fantastic Stuhlmacher right next to the town hall. Unlike last time when I discovered the gerontophile watering hole that is Nordsee, I made a conscious decision this time to go somewhere a lot more local and atmospheric. And honestly it couldn’t have gone any better.

Not only were the staff smiling and friendly, they were extremely accommodating and spoke English more than well. The interiors were typically, authentically German, and the food was absolutely satisfying, almost incredibly so. Unsurprisingly the place picked up quickly and was close to full by the time we left, but in the end it was more than enough to fortify myself for a last, healthy round of Christmas marketing. I may just possibly get another nutcracker to bring home this time. Or two.