By Heather Walker
Missing that Southern Hemisphere warmth? The new-look Walkabout Temple, which has just reopened with a bang after a £800,00 renovation, is guaranteed to add a sizzling ray of sunshine into your dreary UK winter.
We attended the big launch of Happy Thursdays last week, complete with happy hour prices until 9pm, and a special edition Standeoke — karaoke with live band One Night Stand.
Our evening started in the chilled Temple Beach Club, which with its rustic surfer décor was a cosy reminder of home despite the somewhat Arctic weather outside.
Then come 9pm we moved into the main room, which has been converted into Walkabout’s flagship venue with a new stage for live acts, a room length bar, and a seating deck overlooking the dance floor. Stilt walkers handed out inflatable cartoon microphones to add a touch of silliness to the fun party vibe.
For every singer who dreamed of being in a rock band, this was their big moment as they grabbed the mike to perform alongside the note-perfect One Night Stand.
Dull ballads were banished from the playlist, with performers rocking out instead to classics like AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’. The audience seemed to be having an even better time on the dancefloor, while even the staff were seen busting out a few moves.
One thing’s for sure, the new Walkabout Temple ain’t no one night stand. We’ll be back for sure!
Check out the photos of the Walkabout Temple ‘Standeoke Party’