Cairns venue Yama Zaru Izakaya to bring karaoke, sake, Japanese beer and food to city

Sake, Japanese beer on tap, soundproof karaoke booths and late night dining will soon be an option in the heart of Cairns at a new Japanese-style pub. Everything you need to know.

A NEW Japanese-style pub, specialist karaoke bar and restaurant is set to open for the first time in the heart of Cairns.

Taking the place of the permanently closed Sanheyuan Taiwan Cuisine the Japanese pub will feature three soundproof karaoke rooms and Asahi beer on tap.

Orion and Australian-produced beer Kirin, made to a Japanese recipe, will be available in bottles alongside 15-20 different types of sake.

A new Japanese pub is set to open on Sheridan Street on September 26. Adam Craven-Sands has created the Yama Zaru Izakaya Japanese pub and karaoke bar. Picture: Brendan Radke

A fitter and turner by trade and owner of brake manufacturing firm CableQuip, Adam Craven-Sands’ love for Japanese food and culture led to the creation of the new Sheridan St pub called Yama Zaru Izakaya.

“I’ve always had a passion for hospitality,” he said.

A major point of difference at the new venue not currently offered in Cairns would be late night dining.

“There are really good Japanese restaurants in Cairns but they all close at about 8.30 to 9pm.

The Yama Zaru Izakaya Japanese pub and karaoke bar is set to open on September 26. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The idea is that we want to be open from 5.30pm to midnight.

“If we say we’re open til midnight, we’re open til midnight. And from 9.30pm we’ll have reduced menu that’s easier to get out.”

Plans include a soundproof karaoke room on the ground floor and two more on the mezzanine level that will have its own bar. Diners will buzz from the room and wait staff will take orders and deliver meals to the private booths.

“They don’t have to go outside and (the room) it will be soundproofed properly so that the customers downstairs won’t be listening to their singing.”

Mr Craven-Sands is a former Pizza Hut manager, Japanese tour guide and is fluent in the language.

A soft opening went ahead last weekend before the opening proper expected on September 26.

“When we open, the menu is actually going to be reduced because we’d rather get quality out on time than have a big range and bad food,” he said.

“And that’s the problem that a lot of people are facing now.”

In the future, Japanese appreciation nights were expected to entice southerners to enjoy sake tasting events.

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Originally published as Cairns venue Yama Zaru Izakaya to bring karaoke, sake, Japanese beer and food to city