Waterloo Station’s new pub the Lion & the Unicorn
A new Wetherspoons pub opens on 3 September in The Sidings at Waterloo Station.
Autumn kicks off with an epic celebration of German beer as Oktoberfest returns to the South Bank.
Look out for three weekends of lively Oktoberfest parties at Between the Bridges and an Oktoberfest brewery takeover at The Understudy, plus the opportunity to sample some fantastic ales at South Bank’s quirky little independent pubs. Here's a look at the highlights.
A Drum n Brass Oktoberfest at Between the Bridges
Between the Bridges’ epic Oktoberfest extravaganza returns with three weekends of live entertainment, beer steins and sensational street food with a Teutonic twist. The entire site, including the two beerhalls and an expansive central courtyard will be getting the full Oktoberfest treatment, while the entertainment lineup includes live music from Old Dirty Brasstards, a ten-piece tweed-clad ‘drum and brass’ band playing a non-stop party mix.
Tickets cost £15 and include a two-litre souvenir festival stein. Oktoberfest takes place on Fri and Sat on the weekends of 27-28 Sep, 4-5 Oct and 11-12 Oct. Find out more here.
Oktoberfest weekend at The Understudy
Oktoberfest is back at The Understudy at National Theatre from 3 to 5 October in partnership with south London brewers Gipsy Hill Brewery. Gipsy Hill’s Understudy takeover includes the arrival of their Hunter-inspired Festbier on tap – served up in stein glasses for that proper Oktoberfest feel!
On Saturday 5 October there’s also live entertainment with Fat Brass bringing in the beats plus lots of Gipsy Hill giveaways.
Local craft on tap at South Bank’s indie pubs
Tucked into one of the railway arches in front of Waterloo Station, the Hole in the Wall is one of the quirkiest little pubs in the area. It traces its history back to the 1940s and has been owned by the same family for more than half a century. While the pub does not celebrate Oktoberfest specifically, if Oktoberfest for you is all about trying different brews in a convivial spot, The Hole in The Wall is a great choice! There are more than 30 beers, ciders and ales on tap, with an emphasis on supporting and promoting beers made by small independent brewers – including plenty of brewers local to south London.
Also located in a railway arch, on the opposite side of York Road is another small spot known for its great variety of beers on tap. The Waterloo Tap boasts an extensive and well-curated selection of guest ales and beers, with lots of brilliant German brews on tap including Benediktiner Weißbräu, Köstritzer Schwarzbier and Bitburger Pilsner. A great pitstop for a drink or two on your way to or from the station.
