Before you dive headfirst into steins and sausages, let’s talk survival: how to handle a full day of Bavarian beer without waving the white flag too early.
How to Prepare for Oktoberfest (and a Day of Drinking Beer)
A stein or two sounds easy enough… until you remember each one is basically a litre of lager. Here’s how to pace yourself like a pro while still having fun:
- Line your stomach: Pretzels and bratwurst aren’t just decoration - eat something hearty before you dive into the steins.
- Pace your pours: Those glasses aren’t pints, they’re litres. Treat each one like two drinks, not one.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Alternate every beer with a glass of water. Future-you will be very grateful.
- Mix in a Radler: If water isn't your vibe, try a half beer, half lemonade... a Bavarian secret weapon if you need to slow the pace.
- Dress the part: Lederhosen and Dirndls are optional, but comfy shoes are essential (you’ll be on your feet a lot).
A little prep means you can go full Bavarian without the next-day regrets.
Now, onto the venues!
Best for A Lively Night Out – Brick Lane Oktoberfest @ Juju’s (Shoreditch)
Juju’s Bar & Stage transforms into a Munich-style beer hall over early October.
- Dates: Fri 3 Oct to Saturday 11 Oct 2025, 6:30–11pm
- Tickets: £14–£25; early bird includes a first pint
- What’s on: Bavarian-style beers, live Oompah band (The Bavarian Strollers), BBQ sausages, keg tapping, costume contests, party games
- More info: Juju’s Bar & Stage
It’s high-energy, Shoreditch-style Oktoberfest fun — perfect for a lively night out with friends.
Best for a Community Vibe – Ravenswood Collective (Walthamstow)
For a true local festival feel, Ravenswood Collective & Pillars Brewery are hosting a free-entry Oktoberfest weekend.
- Dates: Fri 26 - Sun 28 September 2025
- Tickets: Free entry (pay for drinks/food)
- What’s on: Local breweries, German beers, street food vendors, communal seating, live music
- More info: Ravenswood Collective
This is East London charm at its best: a neighbourhood festival vibe with a long table for socialising around, as well as heaters and friendly locals.
Best for Daytime Brunch – BOXHALL (Liverpool Street) (Also available at Boxpark Shoreditch)
If late nights aren’t your thing, BOXHALL’s Oktoberfest Bottomless Brunch brings the Bavarian party to the afternoon.
- Dates: Sat 27 Sept 2025, 2–5pm (bottomless drinks 2:30–4pm)
- Tickets: £50 per person (includes brunch dish + 90 mins of bottomless drinks)
- What’s on: Steins of Staropramen & craft beers, cocktails & non-alcoholic options, brunch dishes from BOXHALL’s kitchens (Eggslut, Nativo, Little Bao Boy, and more), live Oompah band, DJ, and singalong fun
- More info: BOXHALL Oktoberfest Bottomless Brunch
It’s the perfect pick for a weekend meet-up with mates — all the beer and Bavarian buzz, without staying out past bedtime.
Best for a Taste of Bavaria – Albert’s Schloss (Soho)
Not strictly East London, but too good to miss: Albert’s Schloss in Soho runs a full Alpine-style Oktoberfest.
- Dates: 20 Sept – 12 Oct 2025, 9am–2am daily
- Tickets: Free entry (pay-as-you-go for drinks/food)
- What’s on: Keg-tapping ceremony, Lederhosen & Dirndl contests, Oompah band, games, cabaret, Bavarian feasts, Bottomless Brunch
- More info: Albert’s Schloss
It’s a polished Central London experience that’s ideal if you want full Bavarian immersion without leaving the city.
Whether you want a boozy brunch, a lively night out, a community festival, or a full-on Bavarian experience, East London has something for everyone this Oktoberfest. Grab your Lederhosen, don your Dirndl, and raise a stein — Ein Prosit!
