IT’S fair to say thumb-wrestling and chocolate-eating competitions wouldn’t be classed as a typical night out.

The Tree Hotel in Iffley held its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, as a celebration of everything German.

Visitors enjoyed authentic German food including sausage and pretzel, and sampled the country’s finest beers, such as Hofbräu Original and Erdinger Weissbier.

Traditional oompah music was played to give the more active guests a chance to dance the night away. Builder Daimon Stroud headed along with friends.

The 25-year-old, from Cowley, said: “We had a blast.

“A friend suggested it as he had heard about it from another friend of his, and it turned out to be an awesome night.”

Manager Namit Julka said: “We made a big effort and decorated the whole place German style to try and create a great atmosphere for visitors.

“We had about 100 people come in during the day and we managed to bring in a lot more in the evening.”

Other activities at the hotel included apple-hunting, with guests being encouraged to turn up in full lederhosen or a Dirndl dress.

PR director Hazel Scott said: “We find that these events are just a good way to meet people – locals really seem to get behind these nights.”

In September the hotel in Church Way also held a Punjabi night to introduce visitors to authentic Indian cuisine.