Going walkabout

Celebrate the Rugby World Cup in traditional style by heading into one of London's top Down Under-style boozers for some tinnies and a good time!

HOME COMFORTS:

Walkabout
Temple Place, Embankment, WC2
(020-7395 3690).

The latest Walkabout in Temple (formerly Shoeless Joe's) will provide the main focus of events for the Aussie-theme pub chain, although parties will rock and roll at venues across London including Shepherd's Bush, Shaftesbury Avenue (the old Limelight Club), Croydon, Covent Garden, Islington and Shoe Lane.

SPORTY:

The Larrik
425 New King's Road, SW6
(020-7371 9585).

When The Larrik opened more than two years ago on the site of a previously derelict former pub, they warmly embraced the Australian community who live in these far-flung reaches of Fulham. So mix with the locals and enjoy the giant screens showing Australian sporting triumphs and classic Aussie films.

MUSIC HEAD:

Redback Tavern
264 High Street, W3
(020-8752 1827).

Aussies don't really travel east. Back at home they'd only hit New Zealand and what would be the point in that? West London is where most of them settle these days, and The Redback on any Sunday night is where many choose to hang out. This is London's premier Australasian live music venue with bands blasting out tunes, DJs keeping the atmosphere at a frenetic pace, and lots of sporting action on the big screen.

PACK 'EM IN

The Backpacker And The Church
126 York Way, N1
(020-7278 8318).

Those who don't believe the stereotype of Australians being pissed-up politically incorrect punters should head for York Way on a Sunday to experience a journey back down the evolutionary scale. Sundays are the days Aussies go to worship at The Church, a nearby venue which kicks off at noon and can accommodate up to 1,000 people, who buy drinks tickets for tinnies served from chilled dustbins.