Oktoberfest: who needs Munich, when there's so much lager/sausage/lederhosen action right on our doorstep? Follow the sounds of oompah music, or (probably easier) check out our guide here.
Oktoberfest at Octoberfest Pub (13 September-26 October)
Home to over 60 seasonal brews, brass bands, plus the double-knuckle challenge (it's a pork eating contest, OK), Fulham's Octoberfest Pub channels the debauched side of Bavaria, year-round. Across September and October, though, they're turning it up to elf, with special Oktoberfest blow-outs featuring live oompah, cheesy 80s choons and the special 'Marienplatz plate' (we'll hazard a guess that it involves mountains of meat). Tickets start from £15. Info and tickets.
Bierschenke Oktoberfest (18 September-2 November)
Like Octoberfest Pub, Bierschenke is teutonic all the time — but it's pulling out all the stops for the season. Wednesdays-Saturdays — for seven weeks — the bier hall throws parties featuring its own special beer, music from the Bavarian Strollers plus traditional Oktoberfest dishes. 21 September sees the return of QueerSchenke, hosted by Vanity Von Glow (she’s the würst, apparently). There's no entry fee for Oktoberfest parties at either the Liverpool Street or Tower Hill branch of Bierschenke, but various packages are available. Info here.
The Official Camden Oktoberfest (28 September-19 October)
Four dates of beer-fulled hijinks are promised at Camden Oktoberfest. Electric Ballroom is transformed into a traditional Bavarian beerhall — long wooden tables and bunting galore. Dance on the tables to the likes of Old Dirty Brasstards and No Limit Street Band. There's also 'weird and wacky' entertainment, inflatables... oh yes, and lashings of lager. 6,000 tickets go on sale for the four dates (28 September, 5, 12, 19 October) — and they probably WILL sell out. Prices range from £10 to £250 (which gets you a VIP table). Info and tickets.
Oktoberfest South London, Brixton (28 September and 19 October)
Sausages and schnitzel from Herman Ze German, live comedians, and music from eight-piece brass band Brass Funkeys herald Electric Brixton's first Oktoberfest shindig. Spaten, Löwenbräu & Becks are among the beers you can chug at this event. Info and tickets.
London Oktoberfest 2019 (3 October-16 November)
This huge, travelling pils party roams London for one and a half months on and off. The show gets under way at Millwall Park (3-6 and 10-13 October), before moving to Olympia for a Halloween special (24-26 October) and winding up in Moorgate (15-16 November). Dirndl and lederhosen-clad staff serve up oversized beers (including the festival's own special brews), while live acts keep you moving. Ticket prices vary depending on venue, and if you're just popping in for a quick stein, or planning a VIP blowout. Info and tickets.
Vegan Oktoberfest, Greenwich (4 October)
If you've previously been put off by the piles of dead pig synonymous with these sort of events, your saviour has arrived. Greenwich Market's all-vegan take on Oktoberfest features vegan würstl and knödel, plus vegan beers from the likes of Southwark Brewing and Signature Brew. Tickets are free too. Info and tickets.
London Bierfest, Old Billingsgate Market (17-18 October)
Here's an Oktoberfest aimed squarely at corporate events — so if you fancy getting sloshed with your boss, while dolled up in a Heidi wig, persuade them to book your team a table here. It's certainly popular — they squeeze over 2,000 partygoers into each day session. God knows how many ABK beers and meat platters they plough through. Info and tickets.
Oktoberfest pubs and bier halls in London
At some places in London, it's ALWAYS Oktoberfest...
Katzenjammers near London Bridge are no strangers to a bierhall-style blowout, boasting a menu that's sourced fresh from Bavaria every week by German chefs.
Munich Cricket Club This bierkeller, located in Victoria, lays on weekly oompah bands, authentic Bavarian food, Munich beers and German cocktails.
German Kraft in Mercato Metropolitano brews exceedingly good German style wheat beers and lagers. You get get a litre serve if that's your wont — and the dazzling spread of food from surrounding vendors mean you don't have to settle for a traditional wurst.
