Your complete guide to Oktoberfest and how to celebrate it with us
Born in Bavaria over 200 years ago, Oktoberfest has grown into a global celebration of beer, food and good company. And while you might picture vast tents, giant pretzels and steins the size of your head, you don’t need to travel to Munich to join in on the fun.
If you’re looking for a more laid back Oktoberfest 2025, be it a catch-up with mates over a pint or a relaxed meal with family, Greene King has got the beer chilled and the food ready. Come and make Oktoberfest your own, right here at your local.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest began over 200 years ago in Munich, Bavaria, as a royal celebration. In 1810, the city came together for the wedding of crown prince Ludwig and princess Therese. Locals gathered in the fields for food, drink and festivities and the atmosphere was so lively and welcoming that it became an annual tradition. What started as a single event quickly grew into something much bigger, a festival that now attracts millions of visitors from around the world every autumn.
Today, Oktoberfest is famous for its massive mugs of German beer, sizzling sausages, oompah bands and long tables packed with people enjoying the moment. It’s the kind of event where strangers become friends, where a simple “Prost!” can spark a conversation and where the sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the air. But at its heart, Oktoberfest is about more than your standard beer festivals. It’s about having a great time together.
At Greene King, we’re all about that spirit. You’ll have to bring your own lederhosen, but we’ll always have good beer, tasty food and welcoming spots nearby that bring people together. Whether you’re after a crisp pint of lager, a hearty meal or just a catch-up with friends, that’s what Oktoberfest means to us.
Why it’s worth marking the moment
There’s something about the turn of the season that makes a pint taste even better. The days get shorter, the evenings get cooler and there’s a fresh feeling in the air that makes you want to gather your mates and make the most of it. That’s the heart of Oktoberfest: friends, good food and a perfectly poured pint.
You don’t need to go big. There’s no pressure to dress up or stick to a plan. Oktoberfest is as much about the small moments as it is the big celebrations. A pub table, a refreshing pint and a plate of something tasty to share. That’s a winning combination, whatever the occasion.
And where better to make it happen than your local? At Greene King, we’ve always got a cracking selection of beers available, whether you fancy a crisp lager, a rich ale, or something a little different from the taps. We’re here to make it easy. All you need to do is show up. No matter if you’re visiting for a quick drink, a long chat, or a bit of both, your local pub is the perfect spot to make a moment of Oktoberfest.
Five Greene King pubs perfect for your Oktoberfest pinT
You don’t need a ticket to Munich to get that Oktoberfest feeling. These five pubs are perfect for a golden pint, a bite to eat and a few good laughs. At Greene King pubs, there’s a spot for everyone:
Blue Posts, St James’s, London
Ready for Oktoberfest in London? The Blue Posts is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a busy city. It’s tucked away just enough to feel like a hidden gem, but still easy to get to for post-work drinks or a pit stop during a day out. The atmosphere is laid-back, welcoming and full of character – the perfect backdrop for a catch-up over a crisp pint as the nights draw in.
What makes the Blue Posts special for Oktoberfest in London is the mix of tradition and modern flair. The team knows their beers, the food menu is packed with comforting favourites and there’s always a buzz, especially as the seasons shift. It’s a reminder that you never need to go far to find a great pint and good company.
Camden Head, Camden
The Camden Head has that feeling you only get from a proper London pub with a bit of history behind it. As one of the oldest pubs in Camden, it’s a place that’s part of the fabric of the local area – relaxed, unpretentious, and always buzzing with people who know a good pint when they see one.
It’s a brilliant spot for Oktoberfest in London because it feels like a celebration all year round. There’s a great selection of beers, a lively atmosphere and a team who know how to keep the good times rolling. Whether you’re in for a quick pint before a gig or a full evening of drinks and chat, the Camden Head makes every moment feel like one worth raising a glass to.
Deansgate, Manchester
The Deansgate is one of those places where there’s always something on. The bar is perfectly stocked, the screens are on for the sport and the rooftop space offers a breath of fresh air with a cracking view of the city. It’s a big, bustling pub that still manages to feel personal, whether you’re up for a casual pint or a bigger night out.
So, if you’re looking for an Oktoberfest pub in Manchester to enjoy the season in a more modest fashion, the Deansgate has you covered. You won’t find the bratwurst and big bands, but the beer’s cold, the welcome’s warm and there’s always a spot for you and your mates.
Malt House, Birmingham
Right on the side of the city canal, the Malt House is the kind of pub that makes you want to stick around. The view over the water, the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, it’s a proper setting for a relaxed Oktoberfest gathering. The menu is packed with hearty plates and sharers that go down perfectly with a chilled pint, whether you’re visiting for a quick drink or a long meal.
For an Oktoberfest that’s more about time together than ticking off the sights, the Malt House delivers. You’ll find locals, visitors, families, friends that have come together to enjoy good food, good drink and good company. That's what Oktoberfest is really about.
Shakespeare Tavern, Bristol
The Shakespeare Tavern is a proper local with a big heart. The kind of pub where the team knows your name and the beers are always flowing. It’s cosy, welcoming and full of character, from the classic pub decor to the friendly chat at the bar. Ideal for an autumn evening when you want to settle in and enjoy a few drinks with friends or family.
For a restrained Oktoberfest celebration in Bristol, the Shakespeare Tavern is spot-on. While there may be events in the surrounding area, our pub has no need for costumes or formalities. Just grab a well-poured pint and enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time together. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to celebrate is to keep it local and take it easy.
Keep an eye out for Oktoberfest announcements from Greene King pubs across the UK. And don’t worry if you’re not near one of these spots, your local might just be the perfect place to make your own Oktoberfest moment.
How to mark Oktoberfest your way
You don’t need to go all-out to get into the Oktoberfest spirit. It’s all about sharing a few pints, a bite to eat, and making the most of the moment. Whether you’re after a full evening of laughter and stories or just a quiet pint with a friend, there’s no wrong way to join in on the fun.Start by getting your favourite people together. Call up your mates, your family or whoever you fancy spending a few hours with. Then pick your pint. You could stick with your usual, a crisp lager or a smooth ale, or try something new from the taps. We can’t think of a better opportunity to explore the world of beer, both golden classics or new bold seasonal brews.
Don’t forget the food. There’s no need to stick to Bavarian staples, at your local Greene King, you’ll find all the hearty, comforting pub classics that go down perfectly with a pint. From burgers stacked high to flaky pies. It’s simple, satisfying pub food that brings people together.
And if you fancy throwing on some lederhosen or a Bavarian hat, go for it. Oktoberfest is about feeling relaxed, raising a glass, and making it your own. So say “Prost!”, tuck into a tasty meal, and enjoy good times with your favourite people.
Oktoberfest is calling, what’s your answer?
At Greene King, we’re ready to help you make the Oktoberfest in your head a reality. Whether you’re coming in for a pint and a plate of something hearty, or gathering the whole gang for a longer stay, we’ve got the beer ready, a delicious menu and the warmest welcome waiting. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion, or even Oktoberfest. Every visit to your local pub is a chance to make memories.So grab a table and make a moment of Oktoberfest 2025. No matter if you’re raising a glass in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or anywhere in between, our Greene King pubs are here, ready to welcome you. Find your nearest pub today.