‘Forget time exists’: New cocktail bar opens celebrating the tropical holidays of yesteryear

Soft warm breezes and coconut fragrances are all designed to bring back to memories of bygone tropical holidays at the Cairns Esplanade’s newest venue. See the video.

Soft warm breezes, coconut fragrances and potato scallops are all designed to bring back to memories of bygone tropical holidays at a new bar on the Cairns Esplanade.

Crystalbrook Collection’s Calypso Club Cairns’ is new specialty rum and seafood bar which opened on Thursday.

A statement from a Crystalbrook spokeswoman says the venue “evokes the spirit of

bygone holidays devoted to lazing by the beach and afternoons spent sipping pina coladas in the embrace of warm breezes”.

The semicircular venue with its pineapple print wallpaper, designer cocktails and ocean views aims to be “non-exclusive” and “unpretentious.”

Calypso Club head bartender Baily Martland mixes some rum cocktails to serve up to thirsty customers. Picture: Brendan Radke

Crystalbrook Riley General Manager, Melissa Shaw said Calypso Club aims to have a tropical, wanderlust spirit that perfectly balances playful and bright with elegant and charming.

“Its unique cocktail program pays homage to the region’s sugar cane history, with a focus on local and international rums and fresh seasonal tropical fruit,” Ms Shaw said.

Tom Bulmer, cocktail expert from The Social Spirits, has collaborated with Calypso Club to develop a comprehensive cocktail program designed to excite the tastebuds.

“Cocktails should be stress-free,” Mr Bulmer said.

“At Calypso Club, we’ve reimagined classic holiday tipples in a contemporary ‘Calypso’ way.

“The cocktail program will be a colourful mix of fun and playful flavours that will also appeal to a more sophisticated palate.

“It’s all about creating a memorable and vibrant experience with every sip,” he said.

Marta Sousa and Francisca Mendes enjoy some rum cocktails on the outdoor daybeds at the new open air bar. Picture: Brendan Radke

The dishes at Calypso Club draw inspiration from beloved Australian fish and chip shops and

American crab shacks, infusing fresh, seasonal seafood into modern takes on fish burgers, grilled scallops, and bug rolls.

On the deck oceans and lush mountains peer back at you from the soft lounge where you can lay down to chilled out electronic beats.

“We want to take people back to fun times of a bygone era. Make them feel like they have recreated those moments where you forget time and forget the world” Ms Shaw said.

Originally published as ‘Forget time exists’: New cocktail bar opens celebrating the tropical holidays of yesteryear