When young Neil Millar arrived in Cairns in 1959, he worked first at the Old Pacific Hotel, then at the Great Northern, before heading overseas. On his return, he found employment in Mareeba, enjoying it enough to remain up the hill three years, before descending the range for a job at the Ancient Mariner, and then moving on for two years at George's Bistro, at which point he felt possessed of sufficient experience to launch his own establishment. In 1975, he opened Millar's Restaurant, located opposite the Captain Cook statue on Sheridan St, with business partners Pieter Hamelink and Keith Holt. Subsequently, when Keith and Pieter left to launch their own business, Vanny Wraight came onboard as a silent partner.
Enamoured of all things ecclesiastic (except the religious element), of a similar bent to that of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Neil furnished Millar's with pre-loved church furnishings, long tables, pews and an ornate pulpit. …show more content…
However, on Friday and Saturday nights, with the regular trading hours over, and the diners departed, Millar's Restaurant became a far different establishment. Indeed on weekend nights, one can only say Millar's Restaurant became quite irregular and very, very outlandish. As the clock ticked toward the official closing time, local gays discreetly gathered outside, chatting quietly as they awaited the departure of the last customers, and then they swarmed in for a drink, or two, or three,
Enamoured of all things ecclesiastic (except the religious element), of a similar bent to that of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Neil furnished Millar's with pre-loved church furnishings, long tables, pews and an ornate pulpit. …show more content…
However, on Friday and Saturday nights, with the regular trading hours over, and the diners departed, Millar's Restaurant became a far different establishment. Indeed on weekend nights, one can only say Millar's Restaurant became quite irregular and very, very outlandish. As the clock ticked toward the official closing time, local gays discreetly gathered outside, chatting quietly as they awaited the departure of the last customers, and then they swarmed in for a drink, or two, or three,