Brisbane: Most of the world`s powerhouse leaders arriving in Brisbane for the G20 summit headed in motorcades to relax at their luxury hotels, but not Angela Merkel who opted for the pub.
The German Chancellor -- leader of one of the world`s biggest beer-producing nations -- was determined to see some of the Queensland capital before high-powered weekend talks on issues such as economic growth and tax evasion.
After jetting in mid-evening on Friday, she made an impromptu appearance at one of Brisbane`s most popular pub strips, stopping by bars to shake hands and pose for selfies with locals.
Her down-to-earth appearance drew big cheers from pub-goers, according to the Brisbane Courier-Mail newspaper with locals taking to social media to offer praise.
"The sign of a true leader, mixing it up with the locals!" wrote Jan Green on Facebook.
Courier-Mail photographer Sarah Keayes, who was at the scene with friends, added: "She was in a great mood, she seemed to get a real buzz from the crowd, and took the time to say hello, and was all smiles."