Beloved Manchester bar, beer hall, restaurant and home of all things involving dancing on benches, Albert’s Schloss is upping their game for Oktoberfest 2025, confirming three whole weeks of the annual event.
Tipping this year’s edition as their “biggest party ever”, this one IS the big one.
Located on Peter Street – just off the main Deansgate strip – the city centre boozer is one of the busiest spots around, day or night, and they definitely know how to lean into the festivities whenever it comes to big dates on the calendar.
That being said, given their German heritage, it doesn’t get much bigger than Oktoberfest, especially now that they’re spending nearly a full month celebrating the global favourite.
Kicking off from Saturday, 20 September onwards, the Albert’s Schloss will be observing Oktoberfest for 21 days to coincide with the original festivities in Munich, hoping to nail a slice of that authentic experience here in Britain.
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Culminating in one final Bavarian blowout on Sunday, 12 October, ‘The Bier Palace’ will be offering three weeks of unique brews native to the region, a range of delicious new dishes themed around the festival, as well as the usual non-stop live entertainment that will have you dancing on the tables all night long.
What’s more? Albert’s Schloss‘ Oktoberfest party is open to all; there are absolutely no tickets required – just turn up, get in the queue and prepare for a proper knees-up.
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2024 saw nearly 5,000 steins of the beer served to punters (not even just pints, STEINS), plus you can expect the same keg-tapping ceremonies, oompah bands, the ‘Baby Grand Slam’ and the equally unmissable ‘Disko Wunderbar’ to return this autumn.
Of course, there is more than just beer, pretzels and dancing; if you’re not into you ale or salty snacks, then you can always grab an alpine cocktail like their ‘Oktoberfest Spritz’, a blood orange/ginger version, or perhaps a ‘Munchen Long Island’ – all of which are mixed with Monkey 47 gin.
As for the food menu, how does Oktoberfest Paprika Roasted Half Chicken, a towering traditional Schweinshaxe (Bavarian pork knuckle), Currywurst, as well as sweet treats like the München Mess and Klassic Apple Strudel sound? Töp scran, that’s what it sounds like.
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Credit: Supplied
James Plant, Head of Innovation at Albert’s Schloss, said ahead of 2025’s festivities: “We are so happy to be extending Oktoberfest to three full weeks this year.
“Every year, the energy and enthusiasm from our guests grow, and 2024 completely exceeded expectations. This year we are going even bigger – with more bier, more showtime and more Bavarian feasting. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back through the doors.”
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on their socials for more info closer to the time on what might just be the biggest beer and boogie-filled bash of the year, and yes, you will most likely see us there, clad in lederhosen and silly hats.
Featured Images — Albert’s Schloss (supplied)/The Manc Group
Eats
Inside Chotto Matte, the glittering new rooftop restaurant with staggering views of Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Chotto Matte has given a glimpse inside its impressive new restaurant space in Manchester today, complete with a huge rooftop terrace and 360º views of the city centre.
Diners will soon be able to sit up here on top of the No.1 St Michael’s, tucking into a menu of premium Nikkei cuisine while overlooking the magnificent Manchester Town Hall, now peeping out from behind its scaffolding.
The new Chotto Matte will debut a brand-new concept, too – Claude’s is a new Mexican-inspired sky bar, serving Mexican nibbles like black bean tostadas, Wagyu beef birria sliders, and grilled chicken quesadillas, as well as a collection of 250+ tequilas and mezcals.
The main Chotto Matte food menu, crafted by group executive chef Jordan Sclare, alongside founder Kurt Zdesar, focuses on Japanese and Peruvian flavours, with five distinct sections – sushi bar, tempura, robata, sautée and pastry.
The space spans 20,000 sq ft across the 10th floor of Gary Neville’s landmark St Michael’s development, and has been decorated with graffiti-inspired interiors and contemporary art installations.
Local artists who have been called in to help include Carla Raads, who has transformed the bathrooms into a glowing UV mural (the rest of the loos are fully mirrored, for even further wow factor).
But the real standout feature is the 348-capacity rooftop terrace, open all year round and with its own dedicated bar as well as a stage for live entertainment.
Back inside there are two private dining rooms, including one with direct access onto the rooftop.
Click or swipe through the gallery to see inside Chotto Matte Manchester
The Chotto Matte restaurant spaceInside Chotto Matte ManchesterThe rooftop spaceCocktails with a viewCocktails with a viewSushi from the Nikkei menuCrispy riceSmall plates from the Nikkei menu at Chotto MatteDishes from the robata grillDishes from the robata grillInside Chotto Matte ManchesterInside Chotto Matte ManchesterA private dining space at Chotto Matte in ManchesterSliders in Claude’sClaude’s cocktails in the Mexican skybarQuesadillasChurrosTacos and margs from Claude’sThe bar area on the rooftop terraceThe bar area on the rooftop terrace
Kurt Zdesar, Founder of Chotto Matte said: “We are so excited to open the doors to Chotto Matte Manchester. We have created a space that combines bold design, immersive art, live music and of course, our signature Nikkei flavours – all elevated by a stunning rooftop location overlooking Manchester.
“From the food to the atmosphere, every detail has been curated to create a destination venue in the heart of the city. We have also introduced our new Mexican concept, Claude’s, to Manchester for the first time offering something truly unique within this venue.
“We have loved working alongside Gary and the Relentless Developments team to create a space that we can all be truly proud of. We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome a new wave of guests to experience Chotto Matte.”
Chotto Matte Manchester officially opens on Friday 10 October.
Beautiful Stockport cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman announces closure
Daisy Jackson
Bohemian Arts Club, the stunning cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden, has announced its closure.
The Stockport venue was opened by Tom and his wife Katie back in 2023, taking over a formerly derelict three-storey building on Coopers Brow.
While the ground floor was initially home to Katie’s thriving hair salon, Bohemian Salon, the top two floors were transformed into a vintage, design-led cocktail bar filled with mirror-tiled doors and heart-shaped chairs hand-made by Katie’s mum and dad.
But today, Bohemian Arts Club has announced that the building will enter in a ‘brand-new chapter’ – and that means the closure of the cocktail bar.
Bohemian Salon is in such high demand that they have decided to expand it into the top two floors.
The bar shared: “After an amazing 2½ years, we’re excited to share that the building is about to enter a brand-new chapter! With the salon thriving and in such high demand, Bohemian will be expanding upstairs into the two floors above.
“Although this means the bar will be closing and this brings sadness, we also couldn’t be happier to see the space continue to flourish and evolve. It’s been such a joy to share weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and countless celebrations with you all—we’ll always treasure those memories.
Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc GroupCocktails at Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc Group
“Our last service will be Friday 3rd October. For anyone with bookings after this date, we’ll be in touch to cancel—apologies for any inconvenience.
“Thank you so much for your love and support over the last couple of years. Here’s to the next chapter ahead, we can’t wait to show you all the new space!
“Katie, Tom and the team.”
Fans have been sharing their sadness at the news of the bar closure, with one writing: “Gutted about this, you do the best cocktails in Stockport – would love you to open in a new space.”
Another wrote: “Aww we’re gutted the bar is closing! We’re huge Blossoms fans and got engaged at the bar in March 2024 so it will forever be a special place for us. Good luck with the expanding salon!”
And someone else posted: “Noooo my cocktails. Great news for the salon though guys.”
Danny Jones -
19th August 2025 
