London life can get very stressful and serious – sometimes all we want is a break from the routine; to relax and take nothing seriously. It’s at these times that the Walkabout Inn becomes key.

The Venue
Themes from ‘down under’ aren’t exactly visually apparent in this link of the Walkabout Inn chain, the interior looks like the usual sleepless pub. There’s an unremarkable furnished wooden backdrop, scattered barstools and tables, sticky floors; but there’s a pleasantly casual feel about that to be enjoyed - if you drop your drink it’ll be okay. A bar stretches along the back wall, there’s a sectioned off dancefloor, and a stage with an upper level dining area overlooking it.

Everything sits divided fairly comfortably with benefits including a cheap cloakroom (although this comes complete with never-shrinking queue), tidy loos, and a pretty view of the Thames from very big windows.

The Atmosphere
Antipodeans aren’t the only ones who know how to have a laugh. Housing a curious jumble of ages and nationalities, Walkabout Inn is a real mixed bag of tricks – anything goes. You’re just as likely to bump into hoards of students wearing clown suits as you are a birthday party of five. With regular performances from live bands and sports action on the big projector screen (or one of the 27 smaller screens), there’s pretty much something for all to enjoy. The bouncers rarely overstep the mark but be weary of bad chat-up lines and drunken disagreements elsewhere.

The Music
Australian tunes do indeed feature at Walkabout Inn but on the whole you’ll pick up a very poptastic vibe from the DJs here. This satisfies the crowd immensely who aren’t afraid to sing along and throw their bodies around in what you’ll only assume is a collective attempt at dancing. Isn’t the freedom to let your hair down what it’s all about?

The Food
You’ll find the atypical pub grub menu available here, all dishes on offer for under £10, as well as Australian meals flaunting themselves to the more adventurous of goers. Portions are generous and service is fairly prompt, too.

The Drink
At very reasonable prices you can have your pick of many customary wines, ales and beers, mostly Australian, with tempting special offers across the menu. Generally they have the perfect ‘get drunk on a budget’ mantra in place at Walkabout Inn, you’ll be pleased to note.

The Last Word
This is the night-out equivalent of your typical Aussie drawl: obvious, inviting and difficult to ignore!

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