Bierkeller is Basingstoke’s German-style beer hall and one of the newer additions to the town’s nightlife. It occupies the ground floor of Labyrinth on Winchester Street.
The idea is unapologetically Bavarian beer hall: large steins, communal seating, music and the possibility of people ending up dancing on benches.
This makes it rather different from quietly nursing a pint in a traditional pub.
Opening times and what is on
According to its own website, Bierkeller is open on Friday and Saturday, 8pm to 1am, and closed from Sunday to Thursday. Check its website or social media before you go, as event nights and Christmas openings may differ.
The Friday and Saturday programme is built around live oompah bands, DJs and bench dancing. Bratwurst is on the food menu, which is linked from its website. Tables and event tickets are booked through the same site.
Its website does not list entry prices or admission rules, so ask when booking if that matters.
Address and getting there
Bierkeller is at 25/27 Winchester Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7DZ, in the Top of the Town area.
The building also houses Labyrinth, a nightclub with its own website, doors at 10pm on Friday and Saturday and a smart dress code. Do not assume Bierkeller works the same way. Check Bierkeller’s own details instead of Labyrinth’s.
If you are drinking, the railway station and taxi ranks are within walking distance.
Who is it for?
Groups and anyone wanting the night itself to be the activity rather than simply somewhere to have a drink before going elsewhere.
It also gives Top of the Town another proper evening venue, which is useful because Basingstoke’s nightlife has occasionally felt like something historians might eventually need to reconstruct from fragments.
If this is not quite what you had in mind, our food and drink guide has quieter options, and the things to do in the evening section covers theatre, concerts and comedy.
Location
