Are you bored of your usual waterhole? Maybe try one of the plethora of Japanese-inspired vinyl listening bars that have seemingly been sprouting across all major cities in Australia, from Ruby, My Dear in Brisbane to Music Room in Melbourne.
Those major players can shuffle aside, though, as Sydney joins the ranks of crisp soundscapes and even crisper food with JAM Record Bar, the next project from dining conglomerate Merivale.
Sibling-owned company Merivale has been setting the zeitgeist in Sydney for some time now. Justin and Bettina Hemmes are the force behind Coogee Pavillion, Queen Chow, Quarterdeck, and the iconic Bar Totti’s. Opening up around the corner from Bar Totti’s in George Street will be the newest instalment of nighttime entertainment with Good Luck Restaurant and JAM Record Bar.
“On Friday we’re finally opening JAM Record Bar,” a statement on the JAM Record Bar Instagram page reads. “A passion project for Justin Hemmes and sister Bettina, with the bar being named after their parents.
“After founding Merivale in the ‘50s, John and Merivale Hemmes launched JAM Jeans, JAM Shop, and their own record titled JAM (swipe to see the original 👉).”
Justin Hemmes continued the family legacy by starting JAM Recordings in 2003. As for what you’re walking into, the post concludes, “You can expect 15,000 vinyl records, snacks and anything-but-basic cocktails. Walk ins only.”
Merivale’s Head of Music & Nightlife Nick van Tiel might just have the coolest job in the world, garnered with the task of curating a massive 15,000 vinyl records to line the salmon-coloured shelves of the venue.
The collection will be an incredible treasure trove of discoveries for listeners who will no longer have to ask for a track ID and can simply refer to the discography in its physical glory.
Both the bar and restaurant will be coated in a shade of salmon pink, which is highly resonant with a vacation back in time to the 80s, with rows of vinyl to boot.
Some of the bar’s collection is already teased with David Bowie and A Tribe Called Quest, along with Kaytranada and other house delights. As for the food and drink, expect Japanese-styled sushi tapas and highballs to match the sonic scenery.
JAM Record Bar opens today at 320 George Street, Sydney.
