Speakeasy-style bar, NokNok Cairns, planned for city centre
An exciting new speakeasy style microbar inspired by secret American venues that thrived during the 19020 prohibition era could soon be a new place to hang out in the Cairns CBD.
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An exciting new speakeasy-style microbar inspired by secret American venues that thrived during the 1920s prohibition era could soon be a new place to hang out in the Cairns CBD.
Earlier this month NokNok Cairns applied to Cairns Regional Council for a material change of use development permit to establish a new bar on the ground floor of the historic Hides Hotel.
According to the development application, the tenancy is 35.5sq/m with a seating capacity 18 chairs and the maximum occupancy permitted within the tenancy of 60 people won’t be reached due to its size and the business will only require two staff members to operate.
No changes are planned to the outside of the tenancy that was previously operated as a massage salon and tourist information and booking office located right next to P J O’Brien’s Irish Pub.
A new fit out is planned to transform the interior of the tenancy however required works will not impact upon the heritage values of Hides Hotel.
“It’s considered that the proposed development is wholly consistent with the codes applicable to this development,” the development application reads.
“It’s considered that this planning report has demonstrated that no major non-compliances have been observed.”
While the doors of hidden bars popular during the Roaring 20s have long since closed, their influence has sparked a modern day resurgence of once clandestine bars using vintage decor to pay homage to hedonistic speak-easy culture rooted in the gangster shenanigans and sly grog venues during the early 20th century known as the Public Enemy era.
If approved by council NokNok Cairns will join speakeasy style bar, The Hound on Collins Ave, founded by the Hospo Group in Edge Hill last year.
Directors of NokNok Cairns Thomas Breitenstein and Tarran Tracey were approached for comment through James McPeake of McPeake Town Planning.
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Originally published as Speakeasy-style bar, NokNok Cairns, planned for city centre
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