BAR CRAWL
Wunder-bar Raise a glass and party Bavarian-style at the Edinburgh Oktoberfest Words Chris McDonald
Bar talk Matt Wakeford, bar manager of Edinburgh’s G&V Royal Mile Hotel
in Prosit, Ein Prosit, der Gemütlichkeit! (A toast, a toast, to cheer and good times!). After the success of its Edinburgh debut last year, Munich’s annual beerand-song event, Oktoberfest, will be coming back to Scotland this autumn. Some 10,000 revellers attended last year, including members of the Scottish parliament. The event’s return to Princes Street Gardens on 1-5 and 8-12 October is expected to be equally lively, plus there’s an additional fest at Glasgow’s Green Park on 16-19 and 23-26 October. ‘We decided to export Oktoberfest as we wanted people to have a great party while enjoying quality beer and typical Bavarian food,’ says UK Oktoberfest
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How many cocktails do you prepare at Bar G&V? On an average Saturday we make about 400 cocktails. But we’ve also got Scottish gins, whisky, Italian wine and Prosecco, so cocktails make up only 30-40% of our drinks served.
What’s your most popular cocktail? Our Ron Zacapa Blazer, definitely, because of its theatrical value. It combines the hazelnut and caramel essence of Ron Zacapa 23 Rum with honey and chocolate bitters. We ignite it and then mix it. It’s delicious, but maybe not one to try at home!
manager Julie Bui. ‘There were quite a few Germans living in Edinburgh who came. They said they really felt like they were at home; drinking German beer and singing Fliegerlied.’ Keeping the events authentically German is of prime importance to Bui. Edinburgh Oktoberfest staff wear traditional dirndl and lederhosen; the beer is made in Germany and sticks to the country’s strict brewing laws; Bavarian schnitzel, potato salad and other traditional foods are served, and bands travel from Germany to lead the crowds (many of whom dance on the benches) through schlager classics such as Anton aus Tirol and Zikke Zakke. Prosit! (Cheers!). l edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk
What sets you apart from the competition? We’re a blend of Edinburgh’s rich history and contemporary design positioned right in the heart of the old town. We introduce new food and drink menus each season and have a unique collection of cocktails.
Ron Zacapa Blazer • 50ml of Ron Zacapa Centenario rum • Two teaspoons of Italian honey • Two dashes of chocolate bitters • Heat, ignite and transfer three times between containers at maximum distance • Serve hot with a twist of orange
quorvuscollection.com/gandv-hotel-edinburgh
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