Somehow it’s already that time of year again, it’s getting cooler outside, the leaves are falling and everyone’s arguing about how soon is too soon to serve pumpkin spice lattes. That’s right, it’s coming up to October and that means we have two things to get excited about: Halloween and Oktoberfest in London. Oktoberfest may be a German holiday, but given the British affinity for beer, it’s a big thing over here too so there are plenty of ways to celebrate in the city. Ready to trade your tinnies for steins? Get your lederhosen on and head to one of the best spots to celebrate Oktoberfest in London.
Electric Brixton
For the first time, Brixton’s getting its very own Oktoberfest celebration as Electric Brixton is putting on four huge parties. There’ll be loads of live music and comedy, as well as German food and free-flowing beer. Expect wursts flown in directly from Germany’s Black Forest and steins of Spaten, Löwenbräu and Becks.
Sat 7th, Sat 14th, Sat 21st, and Sat 28th October 2023
Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RJ
skiddle.com
Pergola Paddington
After two sellout years, Oktoberfest festivities are coming back to Pergola Paddington. Wunderbar will take over the alfresco drinking and dining venue, bringing plenty of pints in steins along with it. For over a month, Pergola will be transformed into a traditional beer hall decked out with garlands, streamers and long communal tables. You’ll be able to drink a whole range of authentic German beers and chow down on Bavarian food while an oompah band soundtracks. Fancy dress is encouraged and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.
Thurs 28th September – Fri 3rd November 2023
Pergola Paddington, 5 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
pergolapaddington.com
Bermondsey Bierkeller
October’s a big month for Bermondsey Bierkeller, which is inspired by Oktoberfest all year round – so, this comes naturally to them. There’ll be live oompah bands, plenty of food and German beer on draught. Plus, there’ll also be stein cocktails for anyone who wants to get involved in the celebrations but isn’t so keen on beer.
Sat 16th September – Sat 28th October 2023
Bermondsey Bierkeller, 2-4 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2SY
bermondseybierkeller.co.uk
Between the Bridges
Riverside bar and events space Between the Bridges has two weekends of Oktoberfest parties planned for September where there’ll be live entertainment from Massaoke and the Old Dirty Brasstards, barrels of beer and plates of Bavarian food. Plus, tickets include a two-pint stein of beer on arrival. Cheers!
Fri 22nd, Sat 23rd, Fri 29th & Sat 30th September 2023
The Queen’s Walk, London SE1
betweenthebridges.co.uk
Boxpark Croydon
Oktoberfest is coming to Boxpark Croydon for one day only this year, so you can still get the steins in if you’re down south. There’ll be live music from The Amazing Bavarian Stompers and Barryoke hosted by Shaun Williamson AKA ‘Barry From Eastenders’. And, of course, lots of beer and street food from Boxpark favourites.
Sat 28th October 2023
Boxpark Croydon, 99 George St, Croydon CR0 1LD
boxpark.co.uk
London Oktoberfest
Apparently the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the UK, London Oktoberfest is back for 2023 with stints planned in Ealing and the City. The organisers will be pitching their tent in Walpole Park first before moving to Finsbury Square until the start of November. There’ll be Bavarian beer, bratwurst, dirndl, lederhosen and everything else you’d expect from an Oktoberfest party – make sure to book your tickets in advance to save your seat under the tent.
Thurs 19th October – Sat 4th November 2023
Various locations in London
london-oktoberfest.co.uk
German Gymnasium
German Gymnasium is celebrating Oktoberfest with a month and a half of Bavarian food and festivities. They’ll be serving up a limited-time menu of Oktoberfest specials, including the likes of ‘hendl mit kartoffelsalathalf’ (roast chicken with German-style potato salad & Scwheinebraten) and pork belly roll roast with beer sauce, cabbage & dumplings. As well as that, the restaurant will be decked out in traditional decor and there’ll be live oompah bands and the finest Bavarian brews.
Fri 15th September – Tues 31st October 2023
German Gymnasium, 1 King’s Boulevard, London N1C 4BU
germangymnasium.com