Rash of hip night spots
THE Cairns CBD is in the midst of a modern explosion of cool places to hang out after dark.
Although the opening date of much anticipated XS Nightlife club under the Rydges Plaza Hotel remains a closely guarded secret, the imminent start to the party has generated a whole lot of interest on social media.
Offering a waiter service and requiring “dressy” attire, the up-market venue has been on the drawing board since September 2017 when a development application was lodged with Cairns Regional Council.
Owner Melissa Kelly, when contacted, didn’t offer a clue when the adult entertainment and dance venue would open.
However, it is believed it may be up to 12 months away.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming is yet to grant the new club a licence to sell alcohol.
The managing director of The Woolshed, Dominic Davies, said the creation of new venues in the CBD was a positive for every night spot.
“I think it’s good for Cairns. As an international tourist destination it is essential we have a quality and varied offering and the locals benefit from it too. It is good for the community,” he said.
“The CBD has never been safer and the offering continues to improve.”
Mr Davies is encouraged by the weekend trade but he did raise concerns about weeknight numbers through the door.
Also just opened on top of the Crystalbrook Collection’s five star Riley tower is Rocco. With 270 degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea, Rocco is the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant.
Rocco has traded well since opening in December last year according to billionaire owner Ghassan Aboud and has enjoyed excellent TripAdvisor reviews.
The Flamingoes Tiki Bar opened to rave reviews on the Cairns Esplanade last December.
Inspired by the Polynesian kitsch heyday of the 1960s, the bar’s offering includes an impressive array of rums and cocktails.
Also on the water in the Shangri-la Hotel, North Bar and Kitchen underwent a full makeover late last year and was rebranded as The Backyard.
Described by its creators as cool, lively, fun and funky, the new bar and restaurant serves modern Australian food with an international fusion and has been well received.
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