FOOD & DRINK BLOG

It may only be mid-September, but this Saturday sees the start of Munich's annual Oktoberfest, indisputably the most famous beer festival in the world. For 16 days the Bavarian capital will be devoted to … well, beer. Over 6 million litres of liquid gold get guzzled in Munich’s famous beer halls every year.

There are 14 tents to choose from — some of which can serve up to 2,500 people —  and each tent serves a different brew: Armbrustschützen (which also offers a crossbow competition) serves Paulaner; Ochsenbraterei (specialising in ox dishes) serves Spaten, while Löwenbräu does just what it says on the tin.

Elsewhere at Oktoberfest you can expect musical entertainment (oompah bands), a funfair and traditional gut-busting Bavarian fare (think bratwurst, cheesy noodles and pork knuckles), all overseen by hostesses kitted out in national dress with full skirts and the ubiquitous dirndl or bustier. And remember — if you’re all hopped out, there’s always the wine tent.

A few tips for making the most of Oktoberfest:

Beer is sold by the litre or ‘maas’ and costs around €8.50. Buy tokens from the tents in advance if you want to party cash-free.

No seat = no beer. Obviously we don’t recommend morning drinking, but if you want a seat, get in early: the beer halls open at 9.30am, just in time for breakfast. Tables can be reserved in advance, but most are booked up by March.

Children are welcome to join the festivities — and the Augustiner-Brau tent is regarded as particularly child-friendly — but must leave the tents by 8pm.

If you want to go on the funfair, go before you start drinking.

The sound of the oompah band is generally a signal to link arms and start swaying. Join in.

Drink lots of water — before, during and after.

Single? Head to the Hippodrom, which is popular with young locals. The atmosphere here gets decidedly flirty.

Lederhosen are optional.