The vinyl revival has been a hot topic for years in our ever-more digitalised world. No longer ascendant, records are well and truly back, along with new ways to savour that irreplaceable analogue warmth.
Inspired by the jazz kissas of post-war Japan – tranquil establishments dedicated to playing records – listening bars bring the soundtrack to the forefront with impeccably calibrated acoustics and impressive audio setups fine-tuned down to the most meticulous detail. Of the venues cropping up in major music cities around the world, the following are the crème de la crème, adding sleek aesthetics and highly curated tipples to the ultimate hi-fi experience. So gather a group of select (read: not too loquacious) friends, order whatever tempts you most, and prepare for an evening of deep musical enjoyment.
Bar Neiro, Berlin
This spot was established by Analogue Foundation – a creative collective that has been spreading the gospel of vinyl for the past decade – on the premises of its Brewery Studio. The in-house record collection encompasses jazz, electronic, experimental and more, and each disk is played all the way through to ensure total immersion. Interiors are designed for both supreme acoustics and total cosiness. Select one of the excellent Japanese-themed cocktails on offer, then sit back and soak in the vibes.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Anima, Berlin
Right next to the East Side Gallery, Anima is a cafe by day and a listening bar by night. Stop by in the morning and afternoon for coffee, cake and small plates to savour in the spacious interior with its laptop-friendly coworking area, or on the terrace overlooking the Spree River – a must on sunny days. As 6pm announces the arrival of aperitivo o’clock, the restaurant starts plating up Berlin-chic Mediterranean fare and pouring glasses of wine, before the lights dim and the music comes to the fore for the night.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Bambi, London
East London has long been ahead of the cultural curve, so it’s no surprise that some of the best vinyl temples are located here – including this London Fields space. Bambi is rather more gastronomically focused than the average listening bar, serving enticing casual dining from midweek to Sunday (plus weekend brunches), all backed by a DJ-led soundtrack. Come Friday and Saturday nights, they push the tables back to open up the dance floor – and with the venue’s expansion earlier this year, there’s even more room to throw those shapes.
Behind This Wall, London
This basement bolthole, hidden beneath Hackney’s Narrow Way, has now been going strong for ten years. Instead of a menu, the bartenders help punters concoct their own libations using ingredients made with as few additives, colourants and extraneous sugars as possible – including homemade honey syrups, of which you can buy a bottle to take home. The less mixologically inspired can stick to beers, wines and bar snacks, with the option to refuel with an order from nearby Yard Sale Pizza.
Eavesdrop, New York
Escape the bustle of the city that never sleeps at Eavesdrop, a sultry spot in the heart of Brooklyn. This isn’t somewhere for dancing or socialising, but rather for enjoying a satisfying meal with a well-made drink or a glass of natural wine, as you admire the blond-wood furnishings and details optimised for both acoustics and aesthetics. Above all, it’s a place to indulge your audiophilia with a top-of-the-line sound system. Prepare for your visit with Eavesdrop’s Soundcloud playlists, or go in uninitiated and watch your Shazam count double.
Tokyo Record Bar, New York
Occupying a cellar in Greenwich Village, Tokyo Record Bar pays tribute to Japan’s vinyl jewel boxes – as well as its cuisine and whiskies. The venue is divided into two distinct dining areas; at the Cocktail Bar, nightly DJs set the mood for visitors sipping on bespoke concoctions, while at Vinyl Jukebox, Chilean chef Ignacia Valdés curates an omakase-style menu, and guests scan a QR code to select the tracks they’d like to hear. The crowd-sourced playlist creates an ever-shifting vibe and prompts strangers to connect via the universal language of music.
Appetite, Singapore
This community space, which regularly organises events including artist talks and intimate concerts, is many things in one: a restaurant cooking up eclectic global flavours, an art lounge holding regular exhibitions, and a listening room exploring one of Singapore’s largest private vinyl collections. Each of the three areas hosts fewer than 10 people, ensuring a warm and personal experience time after time. Many establishments claim to capture the cosy feel of a private living room – but few do it quite this well.
Offtrack, Singapore
Offtrack is a lively hub with more upbeat energy than many of the locales on this list, but there’s no less reverence for the tunes. A jam-packed schedule sees local and international DJs spinning jazz, soul and more among mid-century modern decor, with a sizeable disco ball infusing a bit of funk. The drinks are playful and creative, the menu full of tempting pan-Asian snacks, and walk-ins are welcome to come and join the revelry.
Ginza Music Bar, Tokyo
Founded in 2014 by music producer Shinichi Osawa and coffee producer Nobuhiro Toriba, Ginza Music Bar represents a new era of Tokyo listening rooms. Amid striking royal-blue upholstery (David Bowie reference unconfirmed), the vinyl-fuelled playlist ranges from classic rock and soul to the latest indie, techno and hip-hop tunes – plus the occasional film score – all delivered via a high-fidelity sound system. The beverage list includes cocktails, mocktails and whiskies of both Japanese and international provenance, and the 4am closing time opens the door to insomniac late-night listening.
Little Soul Cafe, Tokyo
Little Soul Cafe is a true labour of love, handcrafted by owner Nobuo Miyamae on a narrow side street in the bohemian quarter of Shimokitazawa. Miyamae has been shaping this Tokyo staple since 1999 to showcase the 14,000-strong vinyl collection he has amassed since his student years (find out more about Miyamae’s ever-growing stack via his blog). For a space with just eight counter seats and two sofas, the drinks menu is impressively wide-ranging, spanning rums, gins, tequila and more. Let the barista advise you before settling in for an evening of exquisite sound.
Share with your friends
