Oktoberfest in London's German Pubs

Established sometime around 1810, the Bavarian beer festival has got its claws into London over the past decade in a big way. But while German pubs aren’t ten a penny in this city that just makes them up the ante for Oktoberfest. From hip Bavarian beer houses to English venues introducing their take on the German beer hall, we bring you the definitive guide on where to enjoy Oktoberfest in London.

The Bavarian Beerhouse
Chances are, if you’ve been to a German bar in London then it will have been the Bavarian Beerhouse. Trading on authenticity and maintaining a staff that dresses in Lederhosen and dirndl dresses, it’s always a popular choice if you want a version of the real Munich experience. No self-respecting customer drinks a beer here from anything less than a 2litre stein. This year the Oktoberfest celebrations will mean live entertainment on Wednesday and Thursday (free admission), Friday and Saturday nights. Friday and Saturday tickets cost £14.50 and include entertainment, one stein (two pints) and table service. Both the Tower Hill and City Road branches will be hosting the fun.

Katzenjammers
A similarly classic beer hall is Katzenjammers, which you can find in the heart of Borough. This proper beer hall is all about the venue, featuring a white brick vaulted ceiling and a collection of heavy wooden benches beneath it. There is a selection of nine German beers on draught and 25 by the bottle, making this one of the best places in London to sample the spoils during Oktoberfest. As well as classic Bavarian food you’ll find the Oompah Brass band on Friday nights and the Hosen Brass band on Saturdays. Don your lederhosen or dirndl and step up for some German folk dancing!

Zeitgeist at the Jolly Gardeners
While beer halls are great, rows of – predominantly – drunken men chanting ‘BEER, BEER. BEER’ all night is likely to get a little dull (unless you’re one of them, of course). For a sophisticated Oktoberfest we would recommend Zeitgeist at Jolly Gardeners. Essentially it’s a German gastro pub that focuses on German food and beers. The venue is smart and the presence of a large expat clientele gives it a distinct edge. It’s also a great place to come and get your Bundesliga fix when you’re in the mood to swap your Spurs for your Schalke.

Bierschenke
Bierschenke is another of London’s traditional Bavarian beer halls, which means you can expect a whole lot more sausage, Oompah brass bands and beer. Their Oktoberfest events run from 26th to 28th September and 3rd to 5th October. Flensburger, Krombacher, Warsteiner, Kaltenberg, Konig and plenty more tipples decorate the taps.

Battersea Mess and Music Hall
Battersea Mess and Music Hall plays the German Bavarian beer house at its own game. Creating a British take on the beer hall, this venue provides the perfect balance between atmosphere and intimacy. Hang out in the comfortable front bar or head for the mess hall in the back. The gastro menu comes accompanied by a range of beers that forgoes the German and opts for the likes of Sierra Nevada, Anchor Steam, Little Creatures and Floris Cherry. Which makes Battersea Mess the place to come for an international take on Oktoberfest that doesn’t get bogged down in too much tradition.

Kennington Park
If pubs aren’t your thing but beer is – unlikely, but possible – then get down to Kennington Park where an official London Oktoberfest event takes place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September. 3,000 people in a tent and a truck filled with 28,000 litres of beer to serve them. Awesome.