Kings Cross nightclub Maali bar relaunches as Chicane with VIP event

Influencers and socialites turned up for the opening of Kings Cross’ newest nightclub, which has replaced the controversial Maali bar. See the photos.

Chicane has opened its doors. Picture by Damian Shaw

Influencers and socialites turned up for the opening of Chicane, the new Kings Cross nightclub which has replaced the controversial Maali bar.

Last Month, The Daily Telegraph revealed that Christina Jaucian and her husband Lance Alaalatoa had taken over the licence for the Bayswater Rd hot spot after it suddenly closed in February amid claims then owner Ussi Moniz Da Silva owed money.

The couple, who worked for the controversial restaurateur but resigned because of a disagreement of operations, also took over the licence for Da Silva’s other Kings Cross venues Eros and Kings Cross Pavilion.

Model Michelle Brazendale, influencer Jay Fisher and architect Valentino Gareri were among the guests who attended the VIP launch.

Opening night of Kings Cross Night Club Chicane on Bayswater Road, which is the old Maali bar. Picture by Damian Shaw

The nightclub is also the site of the former World Bar and is on the strip which was once known as the Golden Mile.

Jaucian, who previously worked in management for luxury department store Harrolds, said the decision to take over these businesses might sound like “mission impossible” but as a Kings Cross local she wants to see the venues restored.

It’s also a homecoming for Jaucian, whose father ran nightclubs in the area in the 80s and 90s including Ziggurat, Propaganda and Profile.

Michelle Brazendale. Picture by Damian Shaw

Maddy May and Valentino Gareri. Picture by Damian Shaw

The plight of numerous Kings Cross venues managed by Da Silva, including Maali and Eros, was cast into the spotlight last month after revelations sites were being closed down and staff owed thousands of dollars in entitlements.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed in March John Ibrahim had emerged as the unlikely saviour of Eros following its shutdown in February when Da Silva skipped town.

A luxury apartment complex, complete with a ground floor bar and restaurant, has been proposed for the site which was recently home to Eros restaurant.

Olga Kuzovina and Isaias Vego. Picture by Damian Shaw

There is no suggestion Mr Ibrahim is linked to any allegations of unpaid wages and debts.

Staff, landlords and investors have chased unpaid wages, rent and taxes at Eros and his other venues Maali, Kings Cross Pavilion and Sinaloa.

In the days before Eros closed, the independent Liquor and Gaming Authority issued it a temporary closure notice.

Sherry Akbari and Saeideh Baghban. Picture by Damian Shaw

It’s understood the ILGA issued a 60-hour closure notice on February 3, after police received information that members of an outlaw motorcycle gang were plotting to commit an act of retribution at the bar.

Sources close to the business have since said that Da Silva owed a substantial debt to the Australian Taxation ­Office.

Luka and Bhavninder Sanghera. Picture by Damian Shaw

Lucie Scura and Alexa Figueroa. Picture by Damian Shaw

When contacted, the ATO refused to reveal whether Da Silva was under investigation, citing privacy reasons.

Eros – and all of Moniz Da Silva’s other venues – then failed to reopen following the temporary closure.

However Eros, located on Bayswater Rd at Potts Point, is set to reopen in the coming weeks after Ibrahim stepped in to help the new licensees.

Jaucian and Alalaatoa are the faces behind the revamped Eros and Maali, which hosted the premiere party for Ibrahim’s new Paramount television show Last King Of The Cross in February.

King Cross Pavilion has also undergone a facelift and will go by the name KX Social.

Moniz Da Silva now has nothing to do with the revamped venues.