Historic century-old Cairns City pub closes its doors

In a blow for lovers of a cold beer one of the last remaining classic city pubs has closed its doors in what could be an opportunity for the right investor.

PERHAPS one of the most famous pubs in Cairns and one of the few remaining of its era has ceased to trade.

Despite efforts to entice a new tenant to step in as publicans at the Cape York Hotel when the lease ended last year, to date no such party has signed on.

The previous tenants from New Zealand chose not to renew the lease. The adjoining Liquor Legends bottle shop has also closed down.

The property is situated on a 1,414sq m corner allotment on one of the busiest arterial roads in Cairns at the Spence and Bunda streets intersection.

The Cape York Hotel on the corner of Bunda and Spence streets.

However on the CBD fringe thirsty punters have to pass The Crown, The Grand and The Jack before getting to the Cape York Hotel.

Building co-owner Murray Moule appeared unfazed by the hotel’s closure.

“Their lease ran out and we are looking for someone else,” he said.

“It’s an empty pub, until I find someone else, I am not in a hurry.”

New licensees of the Cape York Hotel Greg and Alison King in 2015 prepared to reopen the pub after renovation. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

The building was extensively damaged in the mid-1980s and was subsequently repaired and renovated at that time, with a full renovation undertaken in the late 1990s.

Having a rich history dating back to 1898 The Cape York Hotel started its life as The Tramway Hotel.

Old photographs of the original pub adorn the walls of the The Cape York Hotel.

The historic watering hole is also known for a resident spirit. The disembodied soul, reportedly female, has been known to spook one of the accommodation rooms.

In 1987 the building was damaged in the nation’s most disastrous LPG explosion and was rebuilt to its original design.

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Originally published as Historic century-old Cairns City pub closes its doors