A NEW Australian themed bar opened with a special event after a half a million pound transformation.

Walkabout opened its doors in Chelmsford for the first time, bringing a touch of iconic Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, to Chelmsford.

The bar opened with an exclusive VIP party, where guests were treated to a taste of what’s to come at the venue, with cocktails, craft beers and sets from Chelmsford’s best DJs.

The venue, in French’s Walk, now has VIP areas, bookable booths and an impressive reef bar, where a series of huge linked screens showing coral reef and surf footage combine with specialist lighting to give the impression of being in a summery, Pacific-Ocean paradise.

The new Walkabout food and drink menu is also on offer, bringing a taste of modern-day Australian eating to Chelmsford.

The menu includes a selection of dishes, with light bites such as Sweet Potato Hummus and Zucchini and Calamari Snackboards featuring alongside ‘Aussie Heroes’ such as Chicken Parmigiano and Walkabout’s famous ‘Roo Burger’. Surfboard Platters are also available, allowing parties and groups to share snacks from a body-board-shaped serving platter, adding an impressive element of theatre to their experience.

The bar’s drinks menu feature craft beers, new-world wines and impressive cocktails.

Dave Austin, general manager of Walkabout Chelmsford said: “Walkabout has officially arrived in Chelmsford and we have had an incredible first few days. “Our unique combination of great food, unbeatable match-day atmosphere and epic party nights means we have something to offer everyone and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors.”