British Pub Serves Up 40-Foot Bratwurst for Oktoberfest Celebration
A Worcestershire pub creates Britain's largest bratwurst, measuring 40 feet, to kick off its Oktoberfest menu. The sausage's length symbolizes the distance between Munich and the local establishment.
In a unique celebration of Oktoberfest, a British pub has crafted what is believed to be the country's largest bratwurst, measuring an impressive 40 feet (12.12 meters) in length. The Castle pub in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, unveiled this culinary marvel to mark the launch of its Oktoberfest-inspired menu.
The extraordinary sausage's length holds special significance, representing the 1,212-kilometer distance between Munich, the birthplace of Oktoberfest, and The Castle pub. This creative approach connects the local establishment to the rich tradition of the world-renowned German festival, which originated in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese.
Patrons at The Castle were treated to a taste of this massive bratwurst, served with traditional toppings including crispy onions, mustard, and curry ketchup. The latter, known as "currywurst sauce," is a popular condiment in Germany, adding an authentic touch to the experience.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, the pub organized Oktoberfest-themed activities, including performances by an oompah band and a stein-holding competition. These elements are staples of the Munich celebration, which typically spans 16 to 18 days and attracts around 6 million visitors annually.
Rebecca Hall, the general manager at The Castle, expressed enthusiasm about bringing a taste of Oktoberfest to Droitwich Spa. She stated, "We wanted to give our customers a taste of Oktoberfest in their local pub – and make history with the longest bratwurst in the Midlands." Hall added that the Oktoberfest menu, featuring the authentic bratwurst and other German specialties, will be available until the end of October 2024.
The sausage supplier, Marc Razzell of The Sausage Man, emphasized the authenticity of the bratwurst recipe, noting its generational heritage in Germany. This commitment to tradition aligns with the spirit of Oktoberfest, where Bavarian beer must adhere to the Reinheitsgebot, a purity law dating back to 1516.
While The Castle's bratwurst is impressive, it falls short of the world record. The longest bratwurst ever created measured 1,157 feet (352.7 meters) and was produced in Prescott, Wisconsin, USA, in 2017.
As Oktoberfest celebrations spread globally, from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Blumenau, Brazil, The Castle's initiative demonstrates how this Bavarian tradition continues to inspire creative interpretations worldwide. Whether donning traditional Lederhosen or Dirndl dresses, or simply enjoying a locally crafted bratwurst, the spirit of Oktoberfest brings communities together in celebration of German culture and cuisine.
