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 has a 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. Visit the bierkeller and restaurant upstairs to taste 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. There’s also a stage where live brass bands play every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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 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.
The iconic London Craft Beer Cruise hosts an Oktoberfest special for one day only. Sample the best German-inspired craft beer from independent breweries across the UK whilst you take in the scenery along the River Thames. With beer sommeliers on board to guide you, this is the perfect Oktoberfest experience for any beer lover.
Price range: £££
How to get there: From Vauxhall, walk eight minutes to the Albert Embankment, where the London Craft Beer Cruise departs.
This corporate hospitality event 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.
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.
