A best man planning a stag do? That is, of course, an honour, but it we all know it can be daunting and an administrative nightmare, having to herd your crew of 10 or 20+ excitable man-children.
When it comes to choosing the perfect destination, Hamburg often tops the list with its vibrant nightlife, affordable flights and accommodation, rich culture, solid cuisine, and love of Sport, which lends itself nicely to group activities. We at The Baby Goat Beer see a lot of Stags coming through our doors, and there is no doubt that one of the key elements to consider in your planning is the reliable 'local' pub where you can wind up for the night ahead, or recover and recap the night before with a few recovery beers, or a cola - we can certainly help there, but first, here's a few pointers from us on how to start your planning and also some suggestions on Hamburg pubs which will give your Stag group the perfect base? Let's dive into it...
First and foremost, the accommodation location. The typical spots for hotels are near the station (St Georg) or near the Party Area (St Pauli / Reeperbahn). The latter is a much livelier part of town and ultimately easier for your group when it comes to getting home after late night fun...it'll save you headaches on coordination of groups/taxis, and is of course good for the kitty. Look at where you're staying and be sure that you have a go-to Pub close to the Hotel or close to the activity or night out! You'll need a spot to regroup or wind up! Our Pub, The Baby Goat Barn is located in the heart of St Pauli and open from 12 on the weekends, ideal for your lunchtime beers before you 'go again' on day 2 (or 3!).
Activities are key. We all know it. By now you'll find Axe throwing in most cities, but avoid the clichés here and aim for something more light-hearted. Depending on group size, you'll find plenty of great things to do. If adrenaline is the wish, then go for a mini go-cart tour of the city, if something more relaxed is desired then a trip to the miniature wonderland (really!) is worth a go, and of course for the sports fan, there's two top league teams to find matches for: St Pauli & HSV. If you can, aim for St Pauli games, as those take place in the city centre, right in the mixer. Music and gigs are a plenty - also a great shout, and there are also various tours which you can take around the City which will give you a mix of culture and fun. If you're looking for something relaxed, we at The Baby Goat offer Beer Tastings for groups over 8 people...a nice way to ease into an evening session. The Stag must, of course, neck a pint.
Food & Drink. Essential! There is an amazing gastronomic scene in Hamburg and your primary concern is going to be catering for your big group. This is generally no problem, just make sure you book in advance. To indulge in classic German dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, we recommend the Hoffbrauhaus, Hatari, or Frau Müller. For something more international, aim for Tacos at Mexico Straße or Pizza with us at The Baby Goat.
Ahhhhh The Beers! You got it, you're going to need a 'Tankstelle' (literally a gas station) where you start fuelling up. The UK is spoilt for choice in our pubs, and German establishments can sometimes be much simpler when it comes to selection so make sure you find a pub with a solid selection of beers. At The Baby Goat we brew our own beer, and have 10 beer styles on tap, from Pilsners to Double IPAs. There is something for everyone.
Nightlife? Yes please. This is simple. St Pauli. Don't look anywhere else. 'The Kiez' as it's known locally is the centre of late-night fun. Yes, you can indulge in strip clubs and more R-rated fun, but it also the bar and club epicentre with no shortage of options. Our tip - find a place to drink from 6pm onwards, then food, then bars and clubs from 11pm at the earliest. Germans enjoy casual late-night drinks, so if you're expecting to be in bed by 2, you're wrong. Our pub in St Pauli is 100m away from the most famous street of bars, and we recommend The Academy for after dinner live music, then Pooka (for deep House and techno) or Blauer Peter (for cheesy tunes). In between, be sure to check out an old German Kneipe. You most likely won't want to stay long in these as they are dirty, smoky and generally not so international (i.e. don't like stag dos). So grab a small beer or shot and move on!.
So, a few top tips from us there. And remember, a stag do 'local' pub should provide ample space for your group to relax and unwind before or after your other activities. Remember to prioritize finding the perfect pub for your afternoon escapades. One final reminder. As the afternoon unfolds and the beers continue to flow, don't forget to embrace the moment. Toast to the groom-to-be, revel in the company of friends, and soak in the vibrant energy of Hamburg's bustling streets. It's always the people that make the stag.
We are happy to host you at The Baby Goat Pubs - either in Grindel or St Pauli.
Check out all the information on our pubs via the 'Our Pubs' tab on our menu bar.
