Bavarian Beerhouse (Bristol): Launch party!

I was so privileged to be invited to the launch party slash grand opening of the newest restaurant in Bristol...the Bavarian Beerhouse! My friend and fellow blogger Jess (Owl Crazy Mummy) joined me as my plus one, and we had a blast!

As many of you know, hubby and I lived in Munich for three years between 2008 and 2011, so as soon as the invitation hit my inbox, I had to RSVP a big "yes" straight away.

Jess and I found the Bavarian Beerhouse easily after parking in the 24-hour Millennium Square car park (about a 5 minute walk away), and the tones of the Ompah band led us inside. We were greeted warmly by all the staff, and immediately plied with complimentary beer, wine and finger food! (As the designated driver, I went for the apfelschorle, which is apple juice and sparkling water).

Round 1 of finger food:

Round 1 of Jess' drinks:

The layout of the restaurant fully reminds me of the various beer festivals in Munich (Dachau, Oktoberfest and Unterhaching) with the long wooden tables and benches, the entertaining sounds of the Oompah band, the waitresses in form-fitting Dirndls (although the bar staff weren't in Lederhosen, tut tut), and the various beers all in their dedicated glass or stein. It's so authentic!

The lovely Al Murray was there and he was invited to tap the first barrel! What an honour!

Al Murray

Al Murray Tapping the Barrel 

The beer mug mascot

The Oompah Band

The Oompah band was amazing, and kept to the true Bavarian beer festival vibe! Everyone was singing along, clapping, and dancing on the benches! And every half hour or so, the entire building sang the German drinking song "Ein Prosit". I would easily believed I was back in Munich! It was fantastic! 

Ein Prosit Lyrics

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Germutlichkeit

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Germutlichkeit 

Eins, Zwei, Drei..... Prost! (Then take a big sip of your drink!)

It was fantastic seeing everyone join in - stereotypically, Brits tend to be a little reserved, but the fun at the Bavarian Beerhouse is contagious! 

Jess and Me! 

Me! 

Fingers crossed the Bavarian Beerhouse can maintain a true Bavarian beer festival vibe, and I hope my fellow Bristolians accept this unfamiliar cuisine with gusto, and give it a shot! 

Back in Munich, I loved the kase-spatzle which is the German equivilent to mac'n'cheese. It's delicious, and can't wait to try it when we next visit the Bavarian Beerhouse (already co-ordinating dates with Jess and sorting child-care!). Lee is a massive meat eater, and he has his eye on the Schweinehax (roasted pork shank), and we both miss the simple Bavarian snack of brez'n and Obazda (pretzels with a rich cheese spread), mmmmmm. 

Thank you again to the Bavarian Beerhouse for inviting me to attend such a fun celebration, and I'll be visiting soon to try all the yummy German food we miss from our Munich days!