Bierschenke to open Bavarian beer hall in Covent Garden

Oktoberfest will be coming to central London early this year, as Bierschenke prepares to open a 12,000 square foot permanent site in Covent Garden this spring.

Though a specific opening date has not been announced yet, the new venue, in what was once a Belgo restaurant, promises to be the place to go in the capital for thigh/knee slapping dancing, schnitzel, sausages and, of course, beer, though lederhosen very much optional. The brand’s four signature beers (Bierschenke Lager, Bierschenke Dunkel, Bierschenke Munich IPA and Bierschenke Wheatbeer) are all brewed exclusively for it by Müllerbräu, an historic, family-owned craft brewery in Neuötting, Bavaria.

The new site will be the second Bierschenke in the capital, though the Fenchurch Street is currently, temporarily closed. The original site opened in 2010 beneath Daly’s Wine Bar before moving to London Wall Buildings in 2014, but has since permanently shut.

A spokesperson for Bierschenke said: “This is one of London’s iconic locations and ideal fit for our highly-rated and authentic Munich Bierkeller experience in London…We cannot wait for the grand opening followed by our traditional Oktoberfest in the autumn.”

But, there will be competition, as Guinness is set to open a new microbrewery opposite, at Old Brewer’s Yard, later this year. The new £73 million development will be 50,000 sq. ft., and will incorporate a brewhouse, bar, dining area, barrel room, retail area and a courtyard. Guinness anticipates that the site will attract some 450,000 visitors a year.

In related news:

Guinness now Britain’s most popular pint

Top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations to visit in the UK (from last year)