Gentrification is probably what we call in German an “Unwort” - a word that lost its meaning because of its unconsidered usage, but I cannot resist in saying that this is what happened to Berlin Mitte (wikipedia link here – ed).
With the influx of money during the past years, mainly from the US and the UK, property prices went up, a zillion galleries opened and lots of fancy restaurants, bars and clubs are looking for well to do guests. These include Grill Royal (great steak), Bar 1000 (real estate agents, PR girls and wannabe somethings), Themeroc (nice), Bandol (overpriced but good French food), Amano Bar (after work cocktails), Luigi Zuckermann (NYC-Israeli sandwich joint) to name a few.
The next big thing that will change Mitte is the forthcoming opening of a branch of the overly successful Soho House chain. Situated in an impressive 1920′s department-store, this members only club will certainly become the new hotspot and the place to be for all the media, advertising and fashion types in Berlin Mitte.