First Look: The Shaking Hand

Posted on 31 January, 2023

We finally have an answer as to what venue will be taking over the iconic Akuna Street basement that Transit Bar vacated in 2020.

Meet The Shaking Hand, a new bar from the team behind Sydney’s The Landsdowne Hotel that promises a late-night rock and roll vibe in the style of LA’s Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go—and it’s now open.

Playing to the basement venue’s strengths, The Shaking Hand will host plenty of live music with extensive food and drink offerings, including frozen margheritas, pizza by the slice, batched cocktails, natural wines and craft beers.

Named after lyrics from AC/DC’s ‘Let There Be Rock’, Group Venue Manager Tim Keown urges Canberrans to “submerge yourself into Canberra’s new late-night dive bar where the rock n’ roll never stops.”

“We cater to the rebels, the misfits, and anyone who wants to raise hell until 2 am every weekend. No judgment, just good times, and great tunes. Come in, grab yourself a whiskey and hit the floor; let’s rage together.”

A very welcome addition to Canberra’s late-night scene, ‘Shakey’s Pizza’ will feature the likes of a spinach pizza with ricotta, tomato and Parmigiano and an OG Margherita pizza with tomato, mozzarella and basil (and many others) for just $5 per slice or $16 per pizza.

Aside from an excellent pizza, the focus will be on the venue’s live music heritage, with Tim and the team excited to bring new bands to the fore.

“There’s a lot of history within these walls, and we plan to do the place justice…We know there [are] some amazing young bands in Canberra, our goal is to get ‘em out of the garage and onto the stage.”

“Serving frozen margaritas, cold beer and hot pizza until 2 am every weekend. Come get a slice of somethin’ real… Let the beer and shots flow like a river of pure chaos.”

Photography supplied.