Walkabout is a chain bar, but that fact shouldn't stop you paying it a visit. After all, it serves kangaroo and a range of Australian lagers, and nowhere else in Leeds does that.

The Venue
Walkabout is a firm favourite in Leeds, with a look all of its own and no real competitor in the vicinity or, indeed, anywhere. What sets it apart is the Australian theme, which is carried throughout, from the decor (even down to the toilets) to the food and drink, and even the staff, it would seem.

Walkabout provides a very different experience as a bar/club venue with its unique look and feel. It has two very spacious bar areas split over the upper and lower parts of the ground floor (with a barely used VIP area upstairs).

One downside to the Walkabout is the lack of an outside space, such as a beer garden or a balcony, and so smokers are banished to the street when nicotine calls.

The People
It's been open for as long as most can remember, and those who love Walkabout seem to have been going for years. They will maintain that it's an experience not to be missed, especially if you're visiting the city and you don’t have one in your home town.

Walk in on any given night and you can bet your Aussie dollar they'll be playing Bryan Adams Summer of '69, or some other cheesy rock anthem. Bon Jovi, Oasis, Pulp and Blur are on rotation in their CD player, but the place is a novelty bar, and you'd have to be a pretty insufferable music-snob not to have fun here.

If, however, you've popped into this place for a casual drink you may find yourself gawping around in wonder. And this place is best enjoyed if you fancy reliving your backpacking days, or you want to find out what kangaroo tastes like, or if you want to know why Aussies wouldn't want a warm beer. Sophisticated socialising this ain't.

The staff are very approachable and friendly, and all seem to be Australian (unless they have to put on that accent. G'day.)

The Food
For solid bar-food with an adventurous twist give the Walkabout a whirl. It's the sort of food you should fill-up on before a night of hard-drinking.

Snacks and dips, including crispy coated coconut prawns (£3.45), are around the £4 mark. There are loads of burgers including kangaroo (£4.95).

If you aren't brave enough to commit yourself to a whole meal made of Skippy then opt for the Walkabout Platter, which is for sharing. For £6.95 you get three roast chicken skewers, two kangaroo kebabas, garlic bread, two crispy coconut prawns and dipping sauces.

Other typical pub-grub is available, including ham, egg and chips, fish and chips, a few pasta dishes and salads, plus some sandwiches which are served both hot and cold. And there are plenty of meals deals such as a burger and a drink for £5.

The Drink
There’s quite a range of lagers and beers, both bottled and on draught with, of course, Aussie favourites such as Victoria Bitter, Tooheys and Fosters, all of which are £1.50 on a Monday.

In the evening the corky’s shooters take preference though, and this seems to be as exotic as it gets, unfortunately.

If you're a student, then good times can be had on a budget; purchase a student Walkabout discount-card which entitles you to a range of deals on the food, drinks and events.

The Last Word
For good honest fun Walkabout is unrivalled, however it's the younger set of party people that appreciate it more than anyone so it's not everyone’s cup of tea.

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