Ah, Oktoberfest. That German thing that features lederhosen, blue and white bunting, and big glasses of beer. But what the hell is it actually about, and where can you go to try some great beers without venturing out of Newcastle? Fear not, we have it covered:
What’s the deal?
Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, and is a Volksfest (‘peoples’ festival’, combining a beer fest with a funfair). Millions of people flock to the German celebration every year, to enjoy the atmosphere, scoff traditional food, and sample Oktoberfest beers.
Generally, the festival runs for 16 days, up to the first Sunday in October (but it’s extended if the first Sunday falls on the 1st or 2nd of the month, so that German Unity Day can be included on the 3rd October).
The beer served must be brewed within the city limits of Munich, and conform to the German Purity Laws (Reinheitsgebot), so the six breweries allowed to make official Oktoberfest beer are:
Why did it start?
As with everything historical, there are numerous tales, but the most accepted version is that in 1810 a prince married a princess and they had a big party and there was a horse race, then they decided to do it every year.
When is it?
The 2018 event officially runs from Saturday 22nd September to Sunday 7th October.
Sounds great, but Munich is a bit far away. Where can I try some of the beers?
There are a host of bars always looking to celebrate Oktoberfest; some more authentic than others. Our pick of the best 3 events is below, but if you can’t make it to these, check with your local bottle shop as they may have some of these beers in stock.
The Broad Chare
Interested in the tasty food side of things to go with the beers? Head to the Broad Chare for their special Oktoberfest menu, running from 29th September to 6th October. Expect German dishes such as goulash soup, venison with wild mushrooms, and apple strudel. Beer-wise, there’s Paulaner and Hofbräu Oktoberfest to complement the dishes.
Full info over on their website here.
25 Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ
The Head of Steam
If you’re looking for the beer side of things, The Head of Steam has it covered, with all 15 of their bars taking part in the celebrations this year, and bratwurst and pretzel food specials as their ‘Oktoberfeast’ options in their larger venues. Buy 6 pints of any Oktoberfest beers during the official dates of the festival to claim your very own Head of Steam stein, too.
Check out their event on Facebook for more info.
Quayside: 11 – 17 Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ
Newcastle: 2 Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5EN
Durham: 3 Reform Place, North Road, Durham, DH1 4RZ
Newcastle Tap
Looking for something to do on the weekend of 28th – 30th September? Join Newcastle Tap for their Oktoberfest weekend, with German beers (keg + bottle), plus freshly made pretzels from the team at Pink Lane Bakery.
Head over to their Facebook event to learn more.
4 Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5EN