Wild Canberra bar and grill 'Shorty's' is coming back (sort of)

A Civic bar and grill known for its wild side has teased a return, prompting a wave of excitement from Canberrans who either found love during its speed-dating nights or remember swinging from its light fittings after a few too many shots. (Or should that be “don’t remember”?)

Shorty’s, located in Garema Place, flicked off the neon lights on 28 November 2020 after eight years of “treasured memories”.

In a Facebook post at the time, the staff said it was “goodbye for now”, but there were “absolutely no regrets” for all the “lively lunches, happy hours, dinners and jam-packed late nights”.

“You’ve allowed us to do something that we love … Bring people together and create life-long memories,” the post read.

COVID restrictions ultimately forced Shorty’s to take a sabbatical – even with Uber Eats – but they’ve teased a return in a Facebook post.

On 1 June, nearly four years since their last post, they wrote, “One like and we’ll get the band back together”.

It worked. Seven days later, another post announced that “plenty of the old crew will be back in action, ready to serve up some serious nostalgia” for a pop-up event at Wakefield Bar in Ainslie from 10 to 14 September.

“No, sadly we’re not back for good (just yet!), but we’re keeping the dream alive with the next best thing; an event that’ll slap you with nostalgia harder than a Cheez TV cartoon binge,” the post read.

Bookings are “recommended”. And yes, the $15 burgers, steaks and schnitties will be back.

Former venue manager Zac Graham told Region he and the other members of the Shortys management team – together with six former staff members – currently work at the four venues of Edgar’s Inn in Canberra and are planning a pop-up Shorty’s “shin-dig” later this year.

“While we’re not announcing a full reopening just yet, we’re planning a week-long event in mid-September,” he said.

“It’s still in the early stages, but I can tell you that we’re bringing back all the old menu favourites. For example, signature crinkle-cut chips, deep-fried Golden Gaytimes, and Crunk Cooler jugs. We’re also set on running back the old weekly specials at their original $15 price points.”

Both former head chef Wayne Alger and former venue manager Kierain Bunton are involved, and “we’ve got a long list of ex-staff who are eager to make celebrity appearances”.

As for what’s next and a permanent home for Shorty’s, Mr Graham said the team is “always exploring exciting opportunities” but keeping cards close to the chest.

“For now, our goal is to create a super memorable and nostalgic experience.”

So what is the Shorty’s experience? A quick poll of the Region office revealed some … um, interesting memories.

One staff member admits to attending every Saturday night when there would be lines out of the door. Inside, patrons “were always packed in shoulder to shoulder and the staff were always dancing and having a great time”.

Favourite items on the menu were the aforementioned deep-fried Golden Gaytime ice-creams and the ‘Crunk Cooler Jug’ (basically a cocktail of passionfruit, vodka, peach schnapps and strawberries in jug form).

Shortys would also mark days of the year with special themed events. For Halloween, patrons were encouraged to dress up, and on New Year’s Eve, it wasn’t uncommon for everyone to line up at the bar and take shots in unison when the clock struck midnight. Then there was speed-dating on Valentine’s Day, which led a “lot of people” to find love at Shortys.

As for swinging from light fittings?

“You could say that – definitely a lot of dancing on tables.”

Shorty’s will take the reins at Wakefields Bar in Ainslie from 10 to 14 September. Bookings are highly recommended. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date.