Oktoberfest in London: Best Beer Halls, Parties & Authentic Experiences
You don’t need a flight to Munich to experience Oktoberfest. Every autumn, London goes full Bavarian think giant beer tents, endless steins, oompah bands, bratwurst the size of your arm, and plenty of lederhosen. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s brilliant.
But here’s the thing: Oktoberfest in London isn’t just one big event. It’s scattered across the city in different forms massive pop-up tents, traditional beer halls, quirky themed parties, and even hidden little bars doing their own twist. If it’s your first time, it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth it and which are just Instagram hype.
So here’s your proper local guide to Oktoberfest in London 2025 the best beer halls, parties, and authentic experiences that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Bavaria, without leaving Zone 1.
The Big London Oktoberfest Tents
Let’s start with the heavyweights.
The official London Oktoberfest is usually the one you’ll hear about first. Every year, giant tents are set up across the city traditionally in places like Millwall Park on the Isle of Dogs or Olympia London and they bring the full Munich vibe. Long wooden tables, oompah bands, waiters carrying ten steins at once, and an atmosphere that gets rowdy fast.
The best part? You don’t need to go all out with lederhosen or dirndls, but if you do, you’ll fit right in. And trust me, once the band gets everyone standing on benches, you’ll wish you had.
Authentic German Beer Halls in London
If tents aren’t your thing, London has some brilliant year-round Bavarian beer halls that go all-in for Oktoberfest.
Bierschenke (Liverpool Street and Tower Hill) is probably the most authentic. Wooden benches, imported German beer, proper schnitzel it feels like you’ve stepped out of London and into Munich.
Munich Cricket Club (Victoria, Canary Wharf, Tower Hill) is another fun spot. The staff are in Bavarian dress, the music’s loud, and the food portions are enormous.
These places already nail the German vibe, but in October they crank it up a notch with special Oktoberfest menus and live oompah music.
Quirky Oktoberfest Parties
Not all Oktoberfest events in London are about tradition — some are pure London chaos with a Bavarian twist.
Places like Between the Bridges on Southbank or Big Penny Social in Walthamstow host themed Oktoberfest nights with DJs mixing German classics into house sets. You’ll get bratwurst and beer, yes, but you’ll also get glow sticks, confetti, and the kind of party that only London can pull off.
If you’re more about the atmosphere than the authenticity, these are worth a look. They’re basically Oktoberfest meets London rave culture.
Food That Isn’t Just Sausage
Everyone talks about bratwurst, but Oktoberfest in London is also an excuse to eat your way through German comfort food.
Look out for giant pretzels, schnitzel platters, roast chicken with crispy skin, and, if you’re lucky, kaiserschmarrn (a kind of shredded pancake dessert). Proper beer halls like Bierschenke do it best, but even the big tents usually have food stalls serving up hearty Bavarian plates.
Pro tip: order early. Once the band gets going, those food queues double in size.
What to Expect If It’s Your First Time
Here’s the truth no one tells you: Oktoberfest in London gets messy in the best way.
You’ll start sitting politely at a long bench, chatting over your first stein. By stein two, you’ll be clinking glasses with strangers. By stein three, you’ll be standing on the bench, singing along to “Sweet Caroline” next to a group of city workers in lederhosen they rented that morning.
It’s communal, it’s silly, and that’s the point. Oktoberfest isn’t about looking cool. It’s about throwing yourself in.
A Few Insider Tips
Book ahead. Big tents and beer halls sell out fast, especially weekends.
Go early. The vibe shifts as the night goes on. Early evening is lively but manageable. By 9pm, it’s full Bavarian chaos.
Don’t just drink beer. Many venues also serve German wines and schnapps a nice break if you can’t handle litres of lager.
Cashless. Most venues are card-only now, so don’t bother with cash.
Dress the part if you can. You’ll see plenty of people in normal clothes, but trust me wearing lederhosen or a dirndl makes it way more fun.
Hidden Oktoberfest Alternatives
If big crowds aren’t your thing, there are smaller, more low-key Oktoberfest celebrations dotted around London pubs. Keep an eye out for German-owned bars and microbreweries who put on one-off Oktoberfest menus or themed nights. Places in Hackney, Peckham, and Dalston often host more underground, indie-style takes on it.
Sometimes those smaller events end up being the best less corporate, more community.
Final Thoughts
Oktoberfest in London is one of those things you have to try at least once. It’s loud, it’s slightly ridiculous, but it’s also brilliant fun. Whether you go for the full Munich-style tent, a cosy Bavarian beer hall, or a quirky Southbank party, you’ll walk away with the same thing: a big grin, a full stomach, and a slightly sore head the next morning.
So raise a stein, sing along with strangers, and let London show you its Bavarian side this October.
And if you want more guides like this not the generic copy-paste ones, but proper local tips and seasonal finds make sure you follow me on Instagram @london.yaar I share weekly updates on the best things happening in the city so you can experience London like a local.