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Whether you’re a devoted beer enthusiast or simply want to join in with one of Germany’s most significant cultural celebrations, these are the best places to enjoy Oktoberfest in London. From bars, bierkellers and restaurants to large-scale events throughout the city, you don’t have to go to Munich for an authentic Oktoberfest experience.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is an internationally celebrated German beer festival. However, it originally had nothing to do with beer. It began as a public celebration to mark the marriage of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in 1810.
Since 1810, the largest Oktoberfest event has been held in Theresienwiese, Munich, taking place over two weeks between September and October. Alongside the consumption of beer and wine, visitors can sample traditional German cuisine like bratwurst, enjoy amusement attractions and play games.
The best bars in London for Oktoberfest
If you’re hoping to celebrate Oktoberfest at an authentic Bavarian bierkeller, these are the best bars in London to visit.
This popular sports bar is putting on a spectacle with fire eaters, jugglers, dancers and waitresses on stilts with live performances every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting September 21 and running throughout October. There is also Bottomless Bavarian Brunches on Saturday afternoons.
At other times there's games vault where you can play darts, pool, shuffleboard or table football to celebrate in true Oktoberfest style. Their menu includes an impressive selection of German beers alongside wine, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Bermondsey Bierkeller also serves traditional Bavarian dishes like schnitzel and currywurst, and visitors can enjoy 25% off food with SWR Rewards.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Bermondsey Bierkeller is a short tube ride from London Waterloo. Take the Jubilee line eastbound to London Bridge, then it’s a three-minute walk. If you fancy walking instead, it’s just 25 minutes from London Waterloo to the Bierkeller.
Katzenjammers offers two floors of eating, drinking and dancing – Bavarian style. The venue is hosting a Katztoberfest Extravaganza featuring bands, singalongs, Oktoberfest games, best costume competition and more on 26 September and 3 October. Book tickets online.
The bierkeller and restaurant upstairs offers typical German cuisine, including pretzels, sauerkraut, and sausages. Downstairs in the bierhall, you’ll find a bar serving Bavarian beers alongside German and Austrian wines.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Katzenjammers is a 21-minute walk from London Waterloo. Or take the Jubilee line eastbound to London Bridge, then enjoy a five-minute stroll to the bar.
Munich Cricket Club is celebrating with live music, Bavarian games, photo booths and tons of singing & dancing until 26 October! It’s also hosting special events on 21 September, 3, 5, 24 and 26 October.
Munich Cricket Club offers a contemporary twist on a Bavarian beer hall. Their menu features plenty of German beers, cocktails and wine to wash down the delicious Bavarian fare. Visitors can take advantage of their food and drink offerings with bottomless brunch at weekends, lunch offers, and after-work happy hour deals.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Munich Cricket Club is a short tube ride from London Waterloo. Take the westbound Jubilee line to Westminster, then walk for nine minutes. Alternatively, you can walk from London Waterloo to Munich Cricket Club in just 22 minutes.
This brewery and craft beer bar pride themselves on bringing traditional German brewing methods to London. Located inside the Mercato Metropolitano, it’s the perfect place to sip authentic German beers in a unique and vibrant setting. Enjoy the beer garden on sunny days, or visit the taproom inside. German Kraft also hosts live music and events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest celebrations.
Price range: ££
How to get there: German Kraft is a 17-minute walk from London Waterloo. If you’d prefer to use the tube, take the Bakerloo line southbound to Elephant and Castle, then walk eight minutes to the bar.
If you want to celebrate Oktoberfest with a sweet and fruity twist, discover the best cocktail bars in London.
The best activities in London for Oktoberfest
From craft beer cruises on the Thames to all-day parties at London’s top live music venues, these are the best activities and events in London to celebrate Oktoberfest.
Held at the Electric Ballroom, Camden Oktoberfest is one of the largest celebrations in London. Visitors can attend this all-day party every Saturday in October, with live brass bands and DJs. Traditional dress is encouraged, so put on your best lederhosen or dirndl to fully immerse yourself in German culture. Expect plenty of Bavarian beers and authentic German dishes to fuel yourself through the evening.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the Northern line northbound from London Waterloo to Camden Town, where you’ll find Electric Ballroom just across the road.
Emerge yourself in the full Oktoberfest vibe in huge Bavarian beer tents at two locations in Hammersmith and Ealing. Expect waiting staff in traditional dress, long sharing tables, live music and, of course, Bavarian brewed beer and German food.
Price range: ££-£££ (varies)
How to get there: For St Paul’s Green take the Bakerloo or Northern line from London Waterloo to Embankment station then the District to Hammersmith. The venue is 4-minute walk away.
For the Ealing venue, take the Bakerloo line or Northen line from London Waterloo to Embankment station then the District line to Ealing Broadway. The venue is a 10-minute walk away.
This corporate hospitality event on 17 October is a great way to celebrate Oktoberfest with colleagues and employees. Held at Old Billingsgate Market in the heart of the City of London, the iconic venue is transformed into a Bavarian bierkeller for the occasion. Expect live music, dancing, unlimited beer and authentic German cuisine.
Price range: ££££
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line eastbound from London Waterloo to London Bridge, then walk 12 minutes to the venue.
If you are after an immersive experience then check out the Moonshine Saloon: Immersive Wild West Cocktail Experience. It’s a BYO with a difference – think cocktails, characters and costumes and a whole lot of fun. And the best bit – you can get 15% off the experience with SWR Rewards.
Price range: £££
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo or Northern line from London Waterloo to Embankment station then the Circle line to Aldgate. The venue is a 4-minute walk away
Ready to celebrate Oktoberfest? You can enjoy a few beers and get home safely on South Western Railway’s network. We offer various ticket types to ensure you get the right train ticket, including cheaper options when travelling off-peak. If you want to save more on rail travel, explore Railcards and discounts, and GroupSave.
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