Katzenjammers is one of those beautifully semi-hidden gems that you might walk past every day without ever giving it a second glance.
But, if you do decide to pop into that seemingly innocuous street-level entrance just off Borough Market one weekend evening, you’ll descend into a subterranean world that feels like you’ve stumbled into a Bavarian fever dream, complete with oompah bands, clinking steins, and strangers singing like lifelong friends.
This is a German beer hall through-and-through. It goes full-on in the Oktoberfest aesthetic, with communal tables filling a vast two-storey hall, lined with darts boards and backed by a huge stage. Upstairs is a calmer affair, with a slightly more civilised vibe, while downstairs is where things get loud, with live brass every weekend.
The beer list is, predictably, the star of the show. There are the usual Bavarian suspects—crisp pilsners, caramel-kissed dunkels, and a wheat beer or two — all imported straight from Germany – as well as a few fruit beers too. Whatever you want, there’s a stein here with your name on it. The size of the steins, by the way, is not for the faint-hearted: expect litre-sized pours that double as a workout for your biceps.
The food menu reads like a Bavarian comfort food greatest hits: golden schnitzels, bratwurst served every which way, giant pretzels that are perfect for ripping apart with your hands, roasted chickens, currywurst, you name it. There are a couple of vegan options too, juuuuust in case.
It’s not subtle, and it’s not supposed to be. Katzenjammers is loud, lively, and just a bit ridiculous in the best way…
…and it’s a place where you can follow suit.
NOTE: Katzenjammers is open now, until late, seven days a week. You can find out more at the Katzenjammers website.
Katzenjammers | The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark St, SE1 1TY
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