Sponsored: Great offers, a live German band, bratwurst, a biergarten und big Bavarian brunch bargains…

It really feels like Abu Dhabi is going in hard on Oktoberfest this year, and we couldn’t be happier about it. And Crowne Plaza Yas Island’s popular party-starting destination, Stills is doing it harder, faster, featuring more value and with a greater level of German efficiency than anywhere else we’ve seen.

They’ve condensed the celebrations into one long weekend, with festivities taking place from 7pm nightly between Friday October 14 and Sunday October 16. And that’s a big old ‘prost’ from us…

Uber alles

For those looking to celebrate the central European harvest extravaganza in the most authentic way, we recommend you take up the free-flow package which nets you all-you-can-eat-and-drink German beer and food right from the Deutsche mark. The package costs just Dhs199 and begins at 7pm each evening. Or if you’re looking for something a little lighter, there are other f&b packages detailed below.

Because Stills is a venue that never neglects the importance of ritual, its Oktoberfest ceremonies start with the traditional tapping of the beer barrels. Hungry? There are plenty of delicious European meats, indulgent sweets and healthy treats to ‘Munch-en’.

The best kind of wurst

Damen und herren can dig into German brotchen rolls, hefezopf (braided sweet bread), and kornstangen (German seeds and nut rolls); Bavarian Huehnchen goulash, Nespresso short ribs, roasted chicken roulade, königsberger klopse, cold cuts, cheese,and pretzels.

From the barbecue you can stack the plate with frankfurters, bratwurst, black angus brisket and sirloin beef roast. And if you want to add a bit more multi-culturalism to your edible ensemble, you’ll also find Stills staples such as lamb al asador, rotisserie chicken and the crowd-favourite — loaded baked potatoes. And for dessert — strawberry romanoff, German chocolate cake, and Bavarian apple fritters

Other Oktoberfest deals include a bucket of six bottles for Dhs149; a pint of specialty hops for Dhs50, or half a pint for Dhs30; and there’s a cheeky combo deal that includes a German snack and glass of hops for only Dhs89.

Oompah-oompah

We realise it goes without saying, but obviously Stills has taken care of ensuring the ambiance hits titanic levels of Germanic. They’ve got their hands on the fest-famous Bavarian band, Gaudiblosn — who have flown to the UAE from their native Munich.

Naturally the official white and blue flags of the spiritual vaterland will be waved in earnest, there will be fun games, a pretzel photo booth — and an invitation that you too, will come and raise ein stein or zwei wearing the Oktoberfest approved ceremonial attire — lederhosen and dirndls.

Miss it and you’ll be ‘hoppsing’ mad.

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, daily from 7pm Fri October 14 to Sun October 16, unlimited beverage and food deal Dhs199. Tel: (050) 667 5815 or email stills@yasplazahotels.com

Images: Provided