Ernest Hemingway approved of cultural celebrations, and indeed participated actively in many – and so it is fitting that Abu Dhabi’s popular bar, in his namesake, host all sorts of exciting festivals!

He seems quite proud to sport the bright blue and white Bavarian flag for the occasion!

In fact, Hemingway’s bar at the beachside Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort is a class act and the watering hole of choice for many Abu Dhabi residents.

After-work discussions and conversations among friends have graced the elegant nooks and crannies,

and Hemingway’s is in fact one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest pubs, and a venue that has hosted all sorts of festivities, both public and private.

And outside, in the garden, the wide lawn area beside the tennis courts becomes engulfed in the spirit of Bavaria during Oktoberfest every year!

And this year running from Oct 15h to the 24th, the happy music from the south of Germany sets the tone for Abu Dhabi’s chapter of the world’s largest Volksfest where more than six million people from around the world join in the celebration.

Although the festivities at the original venue in Munich, Germany were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, Hemingway’s spacious lawn and very wise distancing makes sure this tradition carries on full blast.

The sausages are on the fire, and fresh draught from the German powerhouse breweries are on tap – just look at that spectacular head on the pint of Weißbier!

The pretzels are hanging ready, and the good folk at the Radisson Blu sure know how to prepare a fantastic variety of sausages.

The special menu for the festival is straight to the point, and all the favorites are there.

Three types of German beer, and eight sausage types, to be paired with pretzels and numerous side dishes, and your Oktoberfest is well underway.

And we’re talking authentic, and five-star hotel quality – and Oktoberfest might not be known as a gastronomical delight, since the consumption of 6 million litres of beer usually grabs the headlines, but actually it is very much so – and the Radisson Blu understands this very well.

The historical combo of veal sausage and sauerkraut, for instance, was refined and exalted by injecting a fabulously tasty cheese into the Würste meat itself!

And sides of greens, and potatoes, and other options made sure the German delicacies formed a delicious meal, out in the garden fresh air, in the exciting festival ambiance.

The white chicken sausage was equally a gourmet delight, so smooth and soft, having been gently boiled rather than crisped on the live grill – but, fear not! German mustard and pickles are available for pairing for those wishing to spice up the evening, and the red cabbage is both sweet and sour and is a perfect match.

And the beer was of excellent quality, provided by world’s oldest brewery: Weihenstephaner.

And of course this is just the outdoor festival station – you have Hemingway’s entire stock at your disposal a la carte!

Overall, the outdoor set-up and large open-air space, supported by an excellent culinary effort to offer a truly authentic and traditional Oktoberfest experience, Hemingway’s again presents itself as Abu Dhabi’s favorite bar.