Lovers of late-night rock and roll and general loose revelry should tune in to the newest dive bar on Akuna Street in the City – The Shaking Hand (aka Shakes) opens today, Wednesday 1 February.
A venue offering local and international acts, DJs, fast drinks, and pizza by the slice, Shakes (named affectionately from the lyrics of AC/DC’s ‘Let there be rock’) is inspired by some of the great venues from West Hollywood’s Sunset strip, such as Viper Room, Rainbow Bar & Grill, and Whisky A Go Go.
Dishing up a range of staple Shakey’s pizzas, such as the delicious spinach with ricotta, tomato and parmigiano, and the OG Margherita at only $5 a slice and $16 per pie, the kitchen is open until 2am every weekend.
Shakes will also offer a range of premium drinks, from frozen margaritas to batched cocktails, natural wines, and independent and locally brewed craft beers.
Breathing life into the old locale of Transit Bar, the new pub promises “a slice of something real … Let the beer and shots flow like a river of pure chaos”.
“There’s a lot of history within these walls, and we plan to do the place justice,” says group venue manager, Tim Keown.
“We know there’s some amazing young bands in Canberra, our goal is to get ‘em out of the garage and onto the stage.”
Keown invites Canberrans one and all – “the rebels, the misfits, and anyone who wants to raise hell until 2am” – to immerse themselves in good times and great tunes.
“Come in, grab yourself a whiskey and hit the floor; let’s rage together.”
With an influence in grungy ‘90s Punk as well as rock ‘n’ roll, The Shaking Hand will make the most of its underground setting, with an atmosphere soaked in dim lighting, eclectic furniture, and a whole lot of red.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm until late, The Shaking Hand is sure to be a late-night hotspot where judgment is left at the door.
Check out 7 Akuna Street in the City or visit theshakinghand.com.au to see for yourself.
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