There are said to be over 40,000 Germans in London, with big enclaves in Richmond, around Hyde Park and Kensington. German football fans in London will feel right at home cheering on Die Mannschaft this summer, thanks to an array of bars that are veritable shrines to the German tradition of hearty beer drinking. Expect a huge turn out for the Germans' game against arch-rivals Holland on Wednesday 13th June – even for neutrals, this should be one of the games of the group stages. With Joachim Low's side in a veritable group of death, and with Bayern Munich losing the Champions League to Chelsea on penalties, it remains to be seen how the young German team can cope with the pressure.
A Mecca for Munich beer hall lovers, the Oktoberfest Pub in Fulham will be showing all the Germany action on its two massive screens and three additional large plasma screens – followed by Schlager music and celebrations. Premium, ice cold German beer will be served by Oktoberfest's beautiful beer maidens sporting traditional dirndl dresses, while classic dishes such as pork knuckle will be available. Standing tickets cost £5 in advance and £10 on the day, while seating tickets cost £15 (each includes a beer and a freshly baked Pretzel). Email info@octoberfestpub.com for more details.
At the other end of town, Old Street's Bavarian Beerhouse is offering more or less the same deal as the Oktoberfest Pub - the chance to watch Germany's games in a traditional Bavarian setting for just a tenner. Groups of 10 people can book a front-row table for £300, for which they also receive unlimited ice-cold German beer and soft drinks from/to one hour before/after the match, traditional German snacks (pretzels and meat balls) and a private waitress. Trust the Germans to organise everything so efficiently. Booking essential – please visit www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk.
London's second Bavarian Beerhouse is also putting on special Germany football nights during Euro 2012, with matches shown on giant screens in an authentic German beer cellar, complete with steins of German lager and generous plates of Schweinshaxen and sausages served by charming Fräuleins. You couldn't really ask for much more. Your £10 entrance fee gets you a seat at a table for the entire game, table service and a post-match DJ party. Both Bavarian Beerhouses are showing England's games for free – but booking is essential for the Germany Games. Visit www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk for more details.
London's first German gastro pub welcomes football fans to watch all of Germany's games during 2012 and to enjoy traditional beer and food from Germany. Located in the former Jolly Gardeners pub made famous by Charlie Chaplin and the films Snatch and The Calcium Kid, the establishment was reopened a few years back after intensive renovation under its new guise, Zeitgeist. The Lambeth pub has 24 German beers on tap and more than 30 bottled beers and some tasty German Schnaps. At half-time feast on German favourites such as Schnitzel, Schweinebraten and Leberkaes.
The Bierschenke Bierkeller or Beer Hall combines the best of Bavaria, bringing the traditional hearty food and atmosphere of Germany right to the centre of London. The relatively new venue near Aldwich in the West End is showing all the whole tournament – but with particular emphasis on Germany's Euro 2012. No bookings will be taken for the Germany matches with seats available on a first come first served basis. Check their website for more details - www.bierschenke.co.uk.