Oktoberfest at The Delaunay Counter

Bavarian Tradition in the Heart of London

Every autumn, millions gather across Europe to raise a stein and mark Oktoberfest. At The Delaunay Counter, we have made it our own — a fortnight of Bavarian celebration on Aldwych, with Stiegl on tap, pretzels and strudel from the kitchen, and a limited-edition counter menu.

The Origins of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest dates to 1810, when the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The festivities included horse races, beer and music. They proved popular enough to become an annual tradition, growing over two centuries into the 16-day festival held each year at Munich’s Theresienwiese.
Today it is defined by hearty Bavarian food, folk music, and beer served in one-litre steins — much of it Märzen, brewed specially for the occasion.

Oktoberfest in Germany and Austria

In Munich, Oktoberfest is celebrated at scale: vast tents run by historic breweries, oompah bands, fairground rides, and thousands in lederhosen and dirndls. The food is central — roast chicken, sausages, pretzels and strudel alongside the beer.
In Austria, celebrations tend to be smaller but equally spirited. Towns and villages host their own versions, with local breweries and regional dishes such as schnitzel, goulash and apfelstrudel. The spirit is one of gemütlichkeit — warmth, togetherness and unhurried enjoyment.

Oktoberfest at The Delaunay Counter

Each September, The Delaunay Counter brings a version of that spirit to Aldwych. We serve Stiegl from the beer cart, bake pretzels and strudel in-house, and introduce a limited Bavarian menu for the duration of the season. In previous years we have also hosted guided beer tastings with Stiegl, exploring their range from champagne beer to barrel-aged wheat beer brewed at the Wildshut farm brewery.

No reservation is required. Walk in, take a seat, and raise a stein.