New karaoke rooms hit the right note

BYRON BAY’S nightlife just got a bit more exciting, as Tokyo Doll Japanese Restaurant and Bar debuts the town’s first-ever karaoke rooms with a playlist of 100,000 songs.

There are two small rooms for groups of up to eight people, and a larger room that can hold up to 15 people.

Guests can enjoy a private karaoke session with friends while ordering from a food and drink menu, including sushi and flat rice noodles, via QR codes inside the rooms.

Co-owner William Ennis said the karaoke rooms were the perfect addition to the Japanese-inspired Asian fusion restaurant, which is known for its bright and eclectic decor, with neon signs and a mural of a Japanese woman behind the bar.

“We were looking for a way to enhance the overall customer experience within the venue and the addition of karaoke rooms was a no-brainer,” he said.

“There’s nothing like it in Byron and we really wanted to inject some instant fun into the brand in a way that made sense.

“It’s just good old-fashioned fun! It’s nostalgic and it’s a great way to release stress and just let it go.

“Byron’s nightlife is evolving, and people are craving unique experiences.”

The team moved around some furniture to turn area on the left side of the restaurant that wasn’t being used as much into the three karaoke rooms.

Ennis, who worked as a private chef for Saudi royalty prior to becoming a restaurateur, has owned various venues in Byron Bay over the last decade, including The Roadhouse, Di Vino and The Italia.

He and co-owner Jack Tupper also co-own and operate Main Street Burger Bar down the road.