If you grew up going out in Britain during your late teens and early twenties, you probably met the legend known as the Snakebite. It arrived in a frosted pint glass like a warning from the nightlife gods.
Half lager. Half cider. If you were feeling particularly fancy, you could add a splash of blackcurrant. And for many people, one sip meant the memory of the night faded faster than the head on the drink.
But here we are in 2025 with a very reasonable question. Does Walkabout still sell Snakebite, or has it joined the Hall of Iconic Drinks That Bars Pretend Do Not Exist?
Surprisingly, the answer is not straightforward.
The Tale of the Snakebite: How It Became Britain’s Most Mischievous Pint
Before we talk about Walkabout, we need to address snakebite itself. For anyone new to the concept, here is the recipe that has been responsible for countless questionable decisions.
Half lager.
Half cider.
You can optionally add blackcurrant for a sweet and dangerous twist.
It is simple but chaotic, which explains why old-school bartenders either loved serving it or pretended it was against the law to pour it. For the record, Snakebite is not illegal. It’s just powerful, and pubs got tired of dealing with customers who thought they were invincible after two pints.
So what about Walkabout? Does it still exist behind the bar?
Here comes the intriguing part. Walkabout has never officially banned snakebite. There is no corporate announcement. There is no secret memo. There is no laminated poster in a staff room that says, “Absolutely no snakebite is allowed.”
However, whether you can actually get one depends on the specific pub.
Some Walkabout locations will make it for you without hesitation. After three of these, we really don’t want to deal with you, but others will say it’s against company policy.
A few establishments have discovered an ingenious loophole. They will sell you a half pint of cider and a half pint of lager in two separate glasses, then hand you an empty pint glass with a look that clearly says, ‘We both know what you are going to do, but we are pretending we do not.’
Why Some Walkabout Bars Refuse to Make Snakebite
It usually comes down to three reasons.
Customer chaos.
Snakebite has a reputation for turning an ordinary night into a story that ends with someone ringing their best friend the next morning and whispering, ‘I need to talk.’
Licensing worries.
Some staff believe it is not allowed under local rules. Spoiler: It is allowed. It is simply not encouraged.
House policy.
Some managers choose to avoid the drink altogether because it has become a magnet for messy nights out.
How to Order a Snakebite in 2025 Without Being Turned Away
If you are on a mission to relive your student years or simply want nostalgia, here is the secret:
Do not ask for a Snakebite. Instead, ask for
- A half-pint of cider
- A half-pint of lager
- A splash of blackcurrant
- And an empty glass
Congratulations, you just built a snakebite without breaking any imaginary pub rules.
Why We Still Care About Snakebite
Snakebite is more than just a drink. It is a cultural moment. It is the chaos companion of university nights. It was the drink that fuelled the eighties and nineties club scenes. It is the rite of passage that every friendship group remembers.
Trying to find a Snakebite in 2025 is like trying to find a retro nightclub that still plays early 2000s dance tracks. When you find it, you hold it close.
The Final Answer
Does Walkabout sell Snakebite? Some branches do. Some do not. Some pretend not to. Some provide you the components and let you become creative.
The official verdict is that Walkabout does not ban Snakebite, but the availability depends on the location, the manager and possibly how polite you are when you order.
FAQ: Do Walkabout Bars Still Sell Snakebite? The Truth Revealed
Does Walkabout still sell Snakebite?
It depends on the location. Snakebite isn’t typically listed on Walkabout’s standard drinks menu, but some bars may still make one if they have the required lager and cider available. It’s always worth asking your bartender.
What is a snakebite?
A traditional snakebite is a mix of equal parts lager and cider. Some people also add a splash of blackcurrant cordial, creating a variation often called a ‘snakebite’ and ‘black’.
Why isn’t Snakebite on most pub menus anymore?
Many pubs have removed it from printed menus because it fell out of fashion, while others prefer not to promote drinks historically associated with heavy drinking.
Can you still order a Snakebite in UK pubs?
Yes. Many pubs will still make one if they stock both lager and cider, although some venues may choose not to serve it.
Was Snakebite ever banned?
No. There has never been a nationwide UK ban on snakebite. However, individual pubs and pub chains are free to decide whether they serve it.
Does every Walkabout serve the same drinks?
Walkabout bars share a core drinks menu, but selections can vary between locations depending on stock, promotions, and local preferences.
Why was Snakebite so popular?
It became a favourite among students and pub-goers during the 1990s and early 2000s because it was affordable, easy to order, and packed a stronger punch than many standard drinks.
