Brasserie Lipp
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant, Brasserie |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Founder | Léonard Lipp and Pétronille Lipp |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | Paris, France |
Key people | Marcellin Cazes (former owner), Roger Cazes (former owner), Bertrand family (owners since 1990) |
| Products | French cuisine, brasserie dishes |
| Website | www |
Brasserie Lipp is a brasserie situated at 151 Boulevard Saint-Germain within Paris's 6th arrondissement. The establishment sponsors the yearly literary accolade known as the Prix Cazes, which honors a previous proprietor.
History
The brasserie was inaugurated on by Léonard Lipp and his spouse Pétronille along Boulevard Saint-Germain, focusing on dishes such as cervelat rémoulade and choucroute garnie, complemented by select beers. Its vibrant ambiance combined with reasonable pricing swiftly gained popularity. During the First World War, due to anti-German feelings, the venue briefly adopted the name Brasserie des Bords; Lipp, an Alsace native, had departed following the region's annexation by Germany.
In July 1920, Marcellin Cazes, an immigrant to Paris, revamped the brasserie, drawing in poets including Paul Verlaine and Guillaume Apollinaire. He enriched the décor with tiled murals crafted by Léon Fargues, ceilings painted by Charly Garrey, and seating upholstered in purple moleskin. Ownership transferred to his son Roger in 1955.
On 29 October 1965, Mehdi Ben Barka, a Moroccan opposition leader, was kidnapped outside the brasserie in an incident that significantly affected diplomatic ties between France and Morocco.
From 1990 onward, the Bertrand family from Auvergne—who also own Angelina tea house, Bert's fast food outlets, and Sir Winston pubs—have expanded Brasserie Lipp’s business operations.
Prix Cazes
The Prix Cazes literary award was created in 1935 by innkeeper Marcellin Cazes. It is presented annually to an author who has not previously received a literary prize. Brasserie Lipp continues to support this award.
Recipients
In culture
Several works by author Pierre Bourgeade (1927–2009), such as La Perleuse and Histoire de Chimène, are set within the brasserie. Jean Diwo penned an extensive historical account titled Chez Lipp (1981). The brasserie is featured in Woody Allen’s film Midnight in Paris and holds a notable place in Ernest Hemingway’s 1964 memoir A Moveable Feast. It is also mentioned in Stuart Woods’ Stone Barrington series, including the novel Treason (2020).