EVERYONE calls it ‘the Shakey,’ but the Shakespeare Hotel is very much on firm ground. The Shakespeare has been around for more than 80 years and is undoubtedly the most prominent hotel in town. A two-storey brick building with wide verandahs around two sides, it’s the perfect place for guests to sit and watch the world go by. The lovely old country pub rooms are comfortable and not expensive.

The main bar has a great atmosphere. It sports a rustic look in cool green and memorabilia in the room includes old photos of the 1890s and the famous shearers’ strike. There’s even an authen­ticated chunk of the Tree of Knowledge on display from when the tree had surgery some years before it died. The lounge area has snooker tables, there’s a gaming room with 14 gaming machines (and nightly promotions), a beergarden and a drive-in bottleshop.

And even if you’re not staying there, you’ll want to go to the Shakey for lunch or dinner while you’re in town.

The dining room is fully air conditioned and is open for lunch and dinner seven days. The menu is modern Australian pub food at everyday prices and includes Shakey burgers, seafood baskets, pasta, roast, curry and a kids’ menu.