The Bermondsey Bierkeller will be throwing a rare celebration of the traditional German Springfest starting this weekend and running every Saturday for a month, writes Rich Brann…
While most people will be familiar with the traditional festival of Oktoberfest, held across Bavaria and Southern Germany and now popular in the UK and USA, fewer will be aware of the Springfest celebration.
Southwark’s beer connoisseurs have a second opportunity in the year to get a taste of Munich’s Paulaner beer, listen to live oompah music and dance through the evening, with the event at the Bierkeller running from 7pm to 12:30am every Saturday for four weeks, starting this Saturday April 18 and running through until May 7.
Springfest is traditionally a smaller and less tourist-oriented event in Munich and Bavaria, held at a similar time in Germany between April 17 and May 10, but the beer halls, two-pint steins, live music and traditional dress are the same.
Its recreation at the Bermondsey Bierkeller will feature all of those alongside classic German food – giant pretzels, sausages and vegan alternatives will all be available, alongside wine and cider for those who prefer another option to celebrate the springtime with.
The Bierkeller has been throwing Oktoberfest events in autumn for several years, with Springfest being a more limited-time event compared to the usual.
Tickets start at £20 for entry and a two-pint stein of beer (with wine and cider as an alternative), with the £45 option including a pretzel and food, and £70 and £90 gold and platinum options including sparkling wine and champagne respectively, as well as dessert options.
