Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Edinburgh

Located on Market Street, The Doric is Edinburgh’s oldest gastropub built in the 17^th century. The venue has a cosy interior, and a menu centred around Scottish classics such as fish and chips, haggis bon bons and salmon to name a few. The atmosphere is welcoming with the staff always happy to help, which guarantees a relaxed dining experience. The pub has hosted many events in the past so it’s likely it will have something in store for Oktoberfest, too. The venue is also situated a short walk from the Princess Street Gardens where the big festival will take place with traditional food and live music. You can always visit The Doric for a hearty meal and some drinks before heading to the festival to wash it all down with some traditional German beer.

If you aren’t a fan of dancing on the tables, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Oktoberfest. One of our favourite venues in Edinburgh is Lucky Pig at Paradise Palms known for its themed nights, an array of vegan/vegetarian food and delicious cocktails that will keep you going all night. While the menu is mostly inspired by American and diner classics you can still spy a few items that are a nod towards German flavours and cuisine: think pretzel bites and beer-battered pickles. You can pair the snacks with Bundaberg Ginger beer or Schofferhofer beer. The venue is extremely welcoming too, which means it attracts friendly people that enjoy socialising, and isn’t this what Oktoberfest is all about? Come in for a drink, a snack and good conversation.

Previously a ticket office and then a trawlerman’s howff, Old Chain Pier is currently a seaside bistro with one of the best views of the Firth of Forth. With daily specials and local drinks on the menu, the venue is quite a special place; it’s gained its reputation as a great meeting spot for families and friends regardless of the occasion. On Friday and Saturday nights, expect live music best enjoyed with your drink of choice. If you’re after a quiet meal, you can stop by for breakfast, and then go for a walk along the chain pier. The venue also serves German beer so it’s a perfect spot to celebrate Oktoberfest in a great atmosphere; we recommend enjoying a bottle of Erdinger Weissbier in the beer garden.

Holyrood 9a is a stylish but relaxed wood-panelled pub in the heart of Edinburgh, attracting crowds regularly. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Oktoberfest with your friends, you should make a mental note to visit this cosy venue. On the menu, you’ll find all the beloved pub classics: beef burgers including the signature Holyrood 9a with bacon, onion rings, cheese and beer mustard mayo; nachos; and plenty of small dishes to munch on for good measure. These go best with beer; you won’t be disappointed with how many options there is on tap. But of course, if you want to embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest, we urge you to order Schöfferhofer, a high-quality German wheat beer.