Who is responsible for maintaining the quality of the place?

In 1977, seven young and enthusiastic people bought the Löwen Inn in the village of Sommeri. They wanted to bring about political and social change. This is how the “Löwen” became the third cooperatively held pub in Switzerland. At that time, the motto was: no bosses, but equal pay and grassroots democracy. Today, the Löwen cooperative is in the hands of three people. Together with their team, they run the place. In addition, the Löwenarena association organises the cultural programme held in the event hall on the first floor. This includes concerts, theatre performances and, in the summer, also an open-air cinema.

Does the place serve its purpose?

Especially in the beginning, the Löwen cooperative fulfilled its purpose as an alternative venue in the countryside. Like-minded people came from far afield to work here, to have something to drink, to eat, and also to discuss politics. Nearly five decades after its founding, things are now more relaxed in the pub. Now guests come from far away – because it is a beautiful place where only organic and regional products are served. The menu always includes vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Does the place promote biodiversity?

The inn has an enchanted garden. Its outdoor area is completely surrounded by hedges, trees and meadows. A wisteria climbs the façade up the eaves. With their intense fragrance, the clusters of violet flowers attract many insects, such as honeybees and their cousins, the bumblebees. The vegetables and fruits for the dishes are all sourced from organic farmers in the region. With this decision, the cooperative also supports biodiversity in a broader sense.

Have public and private resources been used responsibly?

Around 1980, the cooperative had to give up part of the ground floor, which extended to the edge of the street, to the municipality because of plans for a pedestrian walkway. The local council rebuilt this part of the house as an arcade. This rather unusual intervention meant that the rest of the ground floor also had to be adapted. The kitchen was moved to the rear to allow the dining room to be enlarged. An additional building between the inn and the barn, also built in the 1980s, now provides access to the hall on the upper floor and contains the sanitary facilities.

Does the place foster community?

The premises of the “Löwen” include the inn, the garden and the event hall. The latter is used for cultural events as well as private occasions such as weddings and birthday parties. The hall is also used for meetings held by the town council and local associations. It is a place where people from the village, the region and even further afield meet. On the business side, the cooperative’s members and staff enjoy a flat hierarchy. Everyone can voice their concerns and ideas, enabling them to help shape and define their workplace environment.

Are the built heritage and regional specificities preserved and harnessed?

The inn, with its light green shingled façade and fretwork detailing along the eaves of the roof, is a protected historic structure. Originally built as a farmhouse, it served various purposes before it became a cooperative pub in 1977. It stands with its narrow side on the main road, opposite the church, and its traditional construction makes it a distinctive part of the village scenery.

Is the place notable for its distinctiveness?

The country pub, a listed building, tells of a transformational time at the end of the 1970s when, throughout Switzerland, the first cooperative pubs were founded with the aim of bringing about social change. The spirit of that time, although now more relaxed and different, can still be felt today in the house, in the garden and in the management.

Does the place have an atmospheric impact on the beholder?

The well-preserved historic building, combined with its garden and central location in the village, conveys the typical image of a welcoming country pub. The rather traditional appearance of the shingled exterior, with its native Heimatstil fretwork, contrasts with the menu, which has food and beverage offerings that are surprisingly cosmopolitan and contemporary. Guests enjoy sitting at the heavy wooden tables in the historic parlour or, on warm days, in the nicely shaded garden.