IT’S beer season! The world-famous Oktoberfest has landed in Munich, its original location, where locals don traditional lederhosen and sip on steins of foamy nectar.
But why leave all the fun to them?
There are plenty of nods to the traditional beer-drinking event here in the UK and dress-up is often encouraged.
Whether you’re an avid pint drinker or simply want to revel in the fun, these experiences will leave you bottoms up . . . one way or another.
ALBERT’S SCHLOSS: The Bavarian-inspired Albert’s Schloss is hosting a special event until October 25 at its locations in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Liverpool.
Visitors will be able to knock back the Big Six brews served at Munich’s Oktober-fest while listening to a live oompah band blasting out traditional music.
Go on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday to witness the ceremonious wooden keg tapping, performed on stage using the traditional method – a big wooden mallet.
Expect special Bavarian sharing platters of pork knuckle, bratwurst and kraut, too.
Entry is generally free while the Das Big Six Bier Masterclass costs £55pp. See albertsschloss.com.
OKTOBERFEST UK: Don’t live near a big city? The official Oktoberfest UK travels far and wide across the country, bringing its large beer tents to mid-sized towns and coastal regions, as well as larger cities.
The events are running until October 31, with tickets still left in Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Chelmsford and Plymouth, among other destinations.
The huge tents can hold up to 1,000 visitors and are lined with long wooden tables where punters can knock back their pints while joining live sing-alongs. Expect brass bands, massive steins, plus food vendors selling bratwurst and currywurst.
Afternoon and evening sessions last four to five hours. Tickets cost from around £15 for standing and around £25 for seated. See oktoberfestuk.co.uk.
CAMRA BEER FESTIVALS: The Campaign for Real Ale is hosting events all over the UK until early November.
Instead of German lagers, the focus will be on British cask ale, real cider and perry.
Don’t expect any lederhosen either – just like-minded beer fans.
Festivals are taking place in Berkshire, Nottinghamshire and Dorset, among many other locations.
CAMRA members can typically enter free, while prices usuallystart from £3 for non-members, depending on the location. See camra.org.uk/events.
BIERKELLER: These Bavarian-style venues – in Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and London – are hosting special bottomless brunches until the end of the month.
Visitors have 90 minutes of unlimited draft beers and steins (there’s also prosecco, or cocktails for the non-lager drinkers of the group).
Most locations serve pretzels on arrival, followed by your pick of Bavarian dishes such as Bratwurst in a brioche or pretzel roll topped with sauerkraut, cheese frankfurters and pretzel-bun burgers.
Those visiting in the evening can get stuck into fun games such as stein-holding competitions and pretzel-tossing.
Brunches cost from £35pp at the Nottingham venue.
See thebierkeller.com.