Cafe legend turns 100

Leopold Hawelka, one of the legends of Vienna's cafe scene, has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Politicians, writers, artists and cake-lovers alike all paid tribute this April, and Austria's national post office even rustled up a stamp in the 100-year-old's honour.

The much-loved cafe famed for its slightly shabby, bohemian style - began its life back in the 1930s. Named eponymously after the founder, Hawelka continues to host both loyal regulars and transient travellers until this day.

Previous regulars include eccentric architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who kept his clothes on in the cafe, as well as a host of Vienna's literary and artistic set.

Andy Warhol and Arthur Miller were amongst the many foreign luminaries who used to drop in whilst sauntering around Vienna.

The cafe is now run by Leopold's son Gunther, a mere strip of a lad at seventy.

For more info about Hawelka, follow our link.

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