Katzenjammers, Borough Market, SE1

This newly opened German style Bierkeller is part of the Red Car Empire and run by the same management as the Wheatsheaf that shares the same basement (and, confusingly, the same address). Boasting 9 draught German / Bavarian beers and 25 bottled beers it is certainly a decent selection but prices are as one would expect a bit on the hefty side. The draught beers come in pints, halves or 2 pint steins which does even out the cost by a fraction but you will need the arms of a wrestler to lift a laden stein. The interior is divided into 2 spacious rooms, one of which can be sealed off for private functions. Service is courtesy of a clutch of Julie Andrews lookalike waitresses who will deliver your beers direct to your table. The long but sturdy tables are more suited for groups than individuals and the brick arched cellar is ideal to for such a themed premises but the lighting could be a bit dimmer in keeping with a cellar atmosphere plus the background music and modern art doesn’t really fit the image that is trying to be created. It would probably be a lot more realistic during the Oompah Band nights that will be an occasional feature complete with with a bit shoe slapping. It will certainly be of interest to German beer fans who are suitably waged or those who have secret perversions towards lederhosen but on the whole the place probably will only be a once in a while treat on a special occasion rather than a regular haunt.