But for the rest of this month that distance is being squeezed as the spirit of Oktoberfest takes over one of Dubai Marina’s prime vantage points.
It was among the first venues around Dubai to reveal its Oktoberfest antics as cooler evenings begin to return and outdoor socialising beckons.
Featured food includes plenty of German comfort classics with starters and snacks spanning Obatzda Bavarian cheese dip with giant soft pretzel and hot or sweet mustard (AED25), and Holländische Bitterballen beef croquettes, served with hot or sweet mustard (AED50), to Bayerische Käsespätzle (homemade spätzle in creamy Emmentaler sauce, topped with crispy onions) at AED40.
No Oktoberfest offering would be complete without a flotilla of wurst - that’s sausage to us non-Germans.
Finally, there’s Hähnchen-chili-käsekrainer, which translates as cheese-filled chicken sausage with a touch of chili heat, served - as are all the sausages - with potatoes, sauerkraut, and hot or sweet mustard, priced AED65.
Sharing options include a Bavarian Brotzeit platter of artisanal breads, sausage, pretzels, cheeses and pickles (AED139); a 50cm veal bratwurst in a baguette (AED129); or veal bratwurst in a baguette (AED79), both with sauerkraut and mustard.
As iconic drinking toast Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit and other Oktoberfest favourites fill the night, big screens shows looped videos of traditional German folk musicians, sassy barmaids and grinning oom-pah acts amid scenes of rolling hills and busy, ebullient European beer halls.
Lo+Cale may be a long way from the Theresienwiese - famed Munich location for the main and original Oktoberfest - but this intimate and vibrant spot offers a fun taste of the world’s largest folk festival and beer celebration…all with better weather.
DETAILS:
OKTOBERFEST at Lo+Cale happens daily from 6pm until closing (11pm/11.30pm) and runs until November 2. Each Friday will feature a live DJ from 7pm.
YOU can book via [email protected] or +971 54 997 8599.