OKTOBERFEST
Be e r w e g o !
Millions travel to Munich annually for the 16- day marathon that is Oktoberfest, enjoying folk music, traditional foods and, of course, lashings of German beer. With its popularity spreading across the globe, Rowena McIntosh rounds up some locations closer to home where you can get into the Oktoberfest spirit (lederhosen optional)
BAVARIA BRAUHAUS While many a bar will embrace a Bavarian theme this autumn, Bavaria Brauhaus Glasgow is dedicated to the region all year round. The bar serves six German beers, or biere, on tap and more than 40 bottled varieties. The big six are Hofbräu, Paulaner, Augustinerbräu, Hacker- Pschorr, Spatenbräu and Löwenbräu. Soak up the booze with their menu of Bavarian cuisine, including venison sauerbraten and sharing platters featuring three types of gourmet sausage. BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE Launched in 2013, Glasgow Oktoberfest (Wed 19–Sun 23 Oct) moves from Glasgow Green to Blythswood Square this year for i ve days of celebration. Inside the 1800-capacity tent, waiting staff dressed in dirndl and lederhosen serve up specially brewed Bavarian beer and traditional grub including bratwurst, schnitzel and pretzels. Guests sit at communal tables bierhalle-style, and standing on benches to sing along with the band is actively encouraged.
WEST BREWERY This independent brewery now has two Glasgow bars and restaurants, one on Glasgow Green, the other on Woodlands Road, and both specialise in German fare such as wiener schnitzel and currywurst. All their beer is brewed in strict accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516 and they started brewing their Oktoberfestbier in August ready for the celebrations. Those wanting to brush up their knowledge can take a tour of the micro-brewery to check out the process of production before putting the beer to the test in a tutored tasting.
WEST PRINCES STREET GARDENS Held over i ve days, Edinburgh Oktoberfest (Wed 5–Sun 9 Oct) can accommodate 1500 people in their tent. Enjoy German Oktoberfest beer and snacks while a Southern German band plays modern Tyrolean music, with schlager songs inbetween. If you want to brush up on the classic bierhalle singalong anthems before you visit, they’ve published a list on their website. Entrance is free on Wednesday if you fancy a midweek bevvy and on Sunday you can take the kinder with you, as they host a family- friendly lunch. BRAUHAUS This Lauriston Place bar boasts the widest range of German and Belgian beers in Edinburgh. Expect extra Oktoberfest bier and Märzen to be in the fridges this October along with seasonal brews from the likes of Paulaner, Spatenbräu, Löwenbräu, Erdinger, Weihenstephaner, Schneider Wiesse and Hacker-Pschorr. Accompany your beverage with a pretzel or meaty snack such as droëwors or organic chorizo.
JEREMIAH’S TAPROOM There’s craft beer galore in Edinburgh bar Jeremiah’s Taproom, with the chance to sample both local and international offerings. German beers include Paulaner, Weihenstephaner (Weissbier and Dunkel) and Schlenkerla, which is described as a ‘liquid bacon sandwich’. If that doesn’t make you thirsty, nothing will. If you want to honour Oktoberfest at home, you can buy bottled beers from their fridge or a two- pint carry-out growler.
1 Sep–3 Nov 2016 THE LIST 33