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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.
The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.
Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterInside The Pev
Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”
The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.
The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.
The Manchester restaurants and bars shortlisted for the MFDF Awards 2026
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards – better known as the MFDF Awards – have revealed the shortlist of local restaurants, bars, cafes, chefs, and more that are up for the city’s ultimate accolade.
Dozens of outstanding local businesses are nominated across 17 categories, covering everything from food trucks to Michelin Star chefs.
The winners will be revealed at the MFDF Awards ceremony on Monday 25 January, which this year will be held at Medlock Square’s City Hall for the first time.
Sponsored once again by Therme Manchester, the MFDF Awards celebrate the outstanding talent in Manchester’s hospitality scene.
Categories have been chosen to showcase new openings, talented chefs and producers, neighbourhood favourites, top restaurants, great pubs, and plenty more.
The shortlist has been selected from a list of submissions by the MFDF Awards judging panel, made up of leading food and drink critics, writers and industry experts.
As well as the public vote, judges will mystery shop venues in a number of categories and will score venues based on their experiences. The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on 11 January 2027 when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores and the winner of each category will be chosen.
The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website HERE.
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the MFDF Awards, said: “We’re proud to reveal this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists and shine a spotlight on the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene.
“The awards celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and diversity that make our region a world-class food and drink destination. We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the nominees by voting for your favourites, visiting the shortlisted venues and showing your support for our brilliant hospitality industry.
“We’re also looking forward to bringing the industry together on 25 January 2027 for a fantastic night of celebration and to crown this year’s winners.”
The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, sponsored by Therme Manchester, is being decided through a separate judging process. The award celebrates initiatives making a positive difference to communities across Greater Manchester, from tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability to improving access to healthy food and bringing communities together.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement will also be presented on the night to recognise an outstanding contribution to Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry, with no public shortlist for the category.
The Manchester restaurants and bars on the MFDF 2026 shortlist
1. Affordable Eats Venue of the Year (Sponsored by Therme Manchester)
Sips n Dips in LevenshulmeNoodle Alley in ChinatownCredit: The Manc Group
Al Madina – 76 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5AL
Noodle Alley – 56A Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FH
Sips & Dips – 994 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WN
Que Huong Viet – 76–78 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EB
Kabana – 52 Back Turner Street, Manchester M4 1FR
Bahn Mi 782 – 782 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DR
Zaytoni’s – 12 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JQ
Cafe San Juan – 27 St Petersgate, Stockport, Manchester SK1 1EB
Previous winner – Double Zero
2. Takeaway of the Year
Kool Runnings – 118 Chorlton Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M15 4AN
Rita’s Reign – Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LY
Chicken Run – 6 Yarburgh St, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 7FJ
Viet Deli – 22 Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 5BQ
Levenshulme Bakery – 842 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3AW
The Post Box Shawarma – 543 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PP
Danny Jones -
19th August 2025 
