Fat George Tavern in Vienna: A fresh start on the cards after insolvency

It was only a few days ago that the news hit us all pretty hard: word that the Fat George Tavern in Essling had to file for insolvency spread through the neighbourhood like wildfire. A two-hatted restaurant that truly embodies classic Viennese hospitality – and then this. But if you know the owner, you know he's not one to throw in the towel easily. The fight for survival is already in full swing.

More than just a hatted eatery

Fat George was never one of those sterile, high-end places where you feel out of place. Here, the whole package just worked: hearty, traditional cooking, but done with such passion that even the critics from the major restaurant guides had no choice but to award it two hats. Most of us know the feeling: when you want to impress out-of-town guests or simply fancy a really good meal again, you head to Essling. Whether it's the perfectly cooked pike-perch, the classic boiled beef, or the game dishes in autumn – every single bite was spot on.

The insolvency and the fight to stay afloat

The news of the insolvency hit the regulars completely out of the blue. But it's not down to poor management; rather, it's a whole host of issues that have been hammering the industry for months: skyrocketing energy prices, more expensive food supplies, and the never-ending struggle to find staff. The operator, however, isn't throwing in the towel. Behind the scenes, they're working frantically on a plan, negotiating with creditors and potential backers. The goal is clear: to keep Fat George Tavern going, just as we know and love it.

What makes Fat George so special

• The food: Two hats at prices you'd usually only pay at a simple local pub – that's a real rarity in Vienna. Here, tradition isn't something preserved in a museum; it's kept alive and kicking.
• The beer garden: One of the best spots in the 22nd district. Sitting under old trees in summer, having a wine and enjoying the homemade bratwurst – you could easily forget you're in the big smoke.
• The vibe: It's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. The owner himself comes to your table, checks if everything was alright, and always has a casual chat to share. No stiff service, just genuine, unpretentious hospitality – exactly what you hope for.

A slice of Essling identity

For us locals in the neighbourhood, Fat George Tavern is much more than just a place to eat. It's a meeting point, a little piece of home. So many people have celebrated here – weddings, milestone birthdays, or just laid-back Sundays with the family. That's why so many hearts are tied to this place. The first supporters are already rallying in the area, and the outpouring of sympathy on social media has been huge.

Now, it's all about keeping our fingers crossed that they can pull through. The Chamber of Commerce and local politicians have already signalled their support. If anyone can do it, it's the team at Fat George. I reckon I'll be dropping by Essling a bit more often in the next few weeks – not just to lend my support, but also because I don't want to miss out on the best pike-perch in town. So, here's hoping – see you soon at Fat George!