Bank on a top experience
New eateries raise the bar for patrons
THE Wilson Group’s first foray into hospitality is set to offer a different Cairns experience for discerning tourists and residents.
The Cairns Post was able to get a first look behind the scenes of The Chambers’ three new eateries, set to open officially on Friday.
Tattle cafe, casual restaurant SoMa and wine bar esters have been two years in the making and now call the historic, former National Bank of Australasia branch on the corner of Spence and Lake streets, home.
The space also offers two private dining rooms called Watkins and Elsie’s.
Venue manager Angela Stayte joined the Wilson Group almost a year ago and said she jumped at the opportunity to “showcase hospitality in Cairns”.
“For myself and the team, it’s our passion,” she said.
“Whether you’re coming in for a coffee in the morning or sitting inside with a $200 bottle of wine, you are going to get the same service. The building is beautiful too. It was built in 1926. The silky oak floorboards on the second floor were still in such great condition. All they had to do was wipe them down. The red brick and the leadlights in the wine bar, that’s where everything began.”
Sous chef Young Jun Kim said the restaurants would “raise the level of dining in Cairns”.
“Our aim is for customers to walk away saying they’ve never had this kind of food in Cairns,” he said.
“I started working in Cairns as a chef and this menu was something I’ve always wanted to do.
“There is all local produce with an Asian flavour.”
Mr Kim’s favourite dish was the beef short ribs in a sticky, five-spice sauce with a corn salsa. Get a sneak peek at the interior of The Chambers www.cairnspost.com.au