Are you looking to celebrate Oktoberfest but missed out on Munich? Look no further than The Bierkeller in Printworks, a place that feels like a traditional German beer hall, updated and modified to keep up with Manchester’s party spirit. You will find a memorable and immersive Oktoberfest experience here without you having to spend your weekend freezing in a leaky tent drinking warm, overpriced beer. This month the Keller is holding an Oktoberfest night every Saturday, where tickets include a stein, a shot and a pretzel to enjoy while listening to the live Oompah band and DJ. Cenosillicaphobes.
After stepping through the door, the first thing that’s apparent here is the commitment to the theme, with antlers on the wall and wooden barrels stacked to the ceiling; the welcoming atmosphere makes it an easy place to unwind. For the main attraction, the cellar itself, head downstairs and take a seat at one of the many rows of benches. Be careful, though, as it’s so big down there you might find yourself lost in the party. This is where the action happens; come Friday night, dancing, drinking and live music are all on show.
Like you might expect from any great beerhall, there is a plethora of drinks to choose from, including wines and cocktails to balance out the lager. A personal favourite is the Erdinger Weissbier, a smooth and hoppy beer from Bavaria, served in a two-pint stein glass to give it an authentic feel. If you’re a true connoisseur, bottled beers from Germany are available, providing a real taste of Deutsch hells and wheat beer without you having to leave Manchester. Something light and refreshing to try after dancing is the Hausbier, a go-to that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, ideal if you’re not a fussy drinker.
Currently students can get a pint of beer or cider for £3.50 and a stein of Blue Lagoon for £6.50. However, what might be a surprise is the list of alcohol-free beers, long enough to rival their counterparts in selection and variety, a tasty alternative to the usual coke or lemonade everyone’s bored of by now.
While beer is the backbone of The Bierkeller, the food absolutely needs a mention and in some ways outdoes anything you’ll have to drink. You can get a taste for Bavarian specialties with the bratwurst; a pork sausage with a slight herby flavour, traditionally eaten at Oktoberfest. Or, spice things up with a rich chilli beef frankfurter that delivers the perfect level of firmness a hotdog needs. To complete, every würste is served in a brioche roll with a generous topping of crispy onion and sauce. The sauerkraut served alongside complements the otherwise heavy meal well with its acidic tang. However, if you’re the type to take the gherkins off your Big Mac, the texture and taste may be challenging. The menu also has all the items needed on a good night out, with pizza, wings and some of the crispiest waffle fries you’ll ever eat. Make sure to take advantage of the seasonal specials like the pigs-in-blankets fritten and the sharing platters to feast on while watching the Rugby Union Internationals this Autumn.
Try The Bierkeller if you want to go somewhere a bit different from the usual bars and clubs this weekend. Don’t miss this opportunity for your first Oktoberfest.
The Bierkeller is open 12pm-12am Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-2am on Friday and 12pm-3am on Saturday.
