Business
8 December, 2024
Here’s cheers to new bar
THE Brass Bookie is a new sports bar and restaurant in the heart of the Cairns CBD, offering a welcoming venue for locals and tourists alike.
The establishment fills a longstanding vacancy left by Outback Jack’s Bar and Grill, bringing a new energy and over 20 jobs to add to Cairns’ thriving hospitality industry.
Founded by three Cairns locals – Matt Allen, Steve Cluney and Justin Betts – who have a shared passion for investing in their city, The Brass Bookie aims to elevate the local hospitality scene with an array of unique offerings, including locally-sourced beers and a menu curated for Australian palates.
The Brass Bookie promises sports fans an elevated viewing experience, housing 17 screens across its space, including a multi-screen viewing experience on both sides of the impressive island bar for an immersive sports-watching setup.
The menu features authentic Australian flavours, prioritising shared plates and local ingredients.
The extensive drinks range will include a curated selection of beers from Cairns’ own Macalister Brewing Company, providing a true taste of the region for both residents and visitors.
“The Brass Bookie is more than just a sports bar – it’s a commitment to the Cairns community and the local economy,” said director Matt Allen.
“As Cairns locals ourselves, we wanted to create a space that would bring people together and offer a comfortable, casual location that showcases major sporting events,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to open in this prime location and bring life back to this iconic spot in the CBD,” he said.
To celebrate its opening, The Brass Bookie has partnered with James “Chicko” Segeyaro, homegrown NRL star with over 180 first-grade appearances and host of Help Yah Self on Instagram, who will create food-based content inspired by the venue’s signature dishes.
Segeyaro’s content will be shared across his and The Brass Bookie’s social media platforms, connecting fans from both the sports and food worlds.
Plans for the future also include sponsoring local sports teams, further anchoring The Brass Bookie’s support for Cairns’ active community.
“The Brass Bookie is a sports bar and restaurant dedicated to delivering an authentic Australian dining and sports-viewing experience,” Mr Allen said.
“Featuring local brews, a carefully crafted menu of Australian-inspired dishes and a premium setup for watching live sports, The Brass Bookie aims to be a central hub for Cairns’ social and sporting life,” he said.
The Brass Bookie is on the corner of Aplin and Abbott streets in the Cairns CBD.
