Bavarian Beerhouse (Old Street), Islington

They require a credit card or a debit card for security reason before dining. I gave it mine and they did not give it back to me (I've forgotten as well). I contacted them after I've noticed but their attitude towards it was terrible. No apologies, no sincere attitude. How could you forget to give your customer's credit cards back? How do you keep those cards? In the waitresses pockets? Beyond that, why do you keep peoples credit cards? Because you do not trust your customers?

The Bavarian Beerhouse in Islington is a beer cellar with a difference. Essentially it is a combination of Pub and restaurant with a bit of wacky Bavarian-ness thrown in just to make it unique!

The 'cellar' is divided into 4 distinct sections - The Beerhall "Schwemme", the Bavarian Room, the indoor beergarden and a Ski Hut 'Allgau'.

The Schwemme is the main room of the Beerhouse, it has a traditional beer hall design and is decorated in original Hofbrauhaus colours.

The Bavarian Room is painted in white and blue Bavarian colours and has a dance floor and DJ corner.

The Beer Garden is modeled on a typical Bavarian beer garden (apparently).

The Ski Hut is made from an Allgau design and is only accessible through a private section of the beerhouse and is therefore completely closed off to the public - for private parties only!

I've been a couple of times now and both times I've had a great evening. The waitress service means there isn't any jostling to get to the bar to get served, the waitresses all wear traditional Bavarian outfits, called 'Dirndl' dresses.

The traditional dresses make it a veritable landscape making it an eye-swiveling evening!!

All of the waitresses are adept at carrying VERY heavy stein glasses and believe me that's no easy feat, some of the waitresses can carry 6 or 7 full litre steins. I'm no weakling but I found 3 more than enough!! These are not ladies to mess with!

The beerhouse offers the chance to eat and drink in a traditional Bavarian-style setting, with good food and nice selection of drinks. They have a selection of German beers ranging from the traditional golden lager-style to the must-try of the cloudy Wheatbeers. They have several wheatbeers all of which are expertly poured; if you like an ale flavour to your beer then try the Erdinger Dark Wheatbeer (Erdinger Dunkel) or the Paulaner Dunkel.

A great way to get people involved is to get a mini-keg and pour your own beer; the 5 litre mini-kegs are Paulaner beer which is one of the most popular Bavarian beers and are really easy to use. Just twist the little pull-out tap and try not to get more head than beer!

They have a range of shots available but remember this is a German Beercellar not your local Wetherspoons, do expect a back shelf of Sours, Corkys and aftershock's. If you like Vodka then I'd recommend the PornoBrause which is a shot of vodka served with a packet of sherbet (4 flavor choices) essentially you tip the sherbet into your mouth follow that with the vodka and then swirl it around before swallowing - it's quite an experience!

They also have a few Schnapps available - mainly apple based but by far and away the most popular shot-style drink is the infamous Jagermeister. It has to be tasted to be believed but my advice is if you don't like aniseed then don't try it!

Included on the drinks list are some wines quite reasonably priced but who wants to drink wine at a beer cellar?

The main rooms are set out with long tables (big enough for 10 people) and benches, which also makes things cosy and friendly. Before long you be chatting with people on adjacent tables and singing German beer songs. It really does create a great atmosphere!

A nice range of food is available; predictably most dishes are German-style from simple sausages to the wonderfully delicious pork shank. They do small snacks such pretzels or filled rolls or you can have a full meal; starters, main course and dessert! For the full menu see the website.

Another good thing about the beerhouse is that they regularly have special events such as the Oktoberfest, Jagermeister parties and of course Christmas parties; all along a German/Bavarian theme. They have specials during the daytime like the "Schnitzel madness" offer on a Monday lunchtime - Schnitzel and a pint for £9.90

As I said earlier I've been there twice now and I've always had a great evening. On average we've spent about £25-30 per person this includes a three-course meal and a few steins! The atmosphere has been fantastic both times and the waitresses are attentive as well as attractive!

The Bavarian Beerhouse is easy to find; It is on a number of bus routes

It is a 3 minute walk from the Old Street tube station - Exit 8 (Northern Line) Walk up City Road past Moorfields Eye Hospital and it's on the left

It's definitely advisable to book if you are going in a large group to eat at the weekend, but they do have spare tables during the week.