Oktoberfest plans new beer temple

The name "Marstall" is the old German word for the royal riding school and it pays homage to the Oktoberfest's equestrian roots, the highlight of which used to be a horse race, the proprietor Siegfried Able said at the launch of the new tent. The new addition will be erected next to the main entrance of the world's biggest beer festival. Until last year that spot was home to the Hippdrom, a tent in which celebrities like Boris Becker, Wladimir Klitschko, Thomas Gottschalk and Franz Beckenbauer were known to party. The Hippodrom, a feature of the beer festival for more than 100 years, was renowned along with Kufflers Weinzelt and Käfer's Wiesnschänke, as the tent which attracted the highest number of celebrities.

A lot in the Marstall is reminiscent of its predecessor: a champagne bar, fancy table cloths, and a selective menu ranging from Japanese Wagyu beef steak tartar and traditional Bavarian Hendl roast chickens all the way to Lumberjack style vegan tofu savory pancakes.

Celebrities have already let it be known that they intend to come in force. But Abele said they don't want an exclusive celebrity tent. "We want families to sit next to television stars, and workmen to next to Bayern Munich footballer Franck Ribery." For families the tent will also offer quieter areas and a space to leave prams. People who want to secure themselves a place in the tent in the evening will have to pay for a 45 euro ($60) three course meal and a drinks voucher worth 15 euros in advance.

Other Oktoberfest beer tent proprietors are a little reserved about their new neighbors, their spokesman Toni Roiderer said recently that they want to wait and see what happens.

fm, sc / kbm (dpa)