Now Open: JAM Is Merivale's New Tokyo-Inspired Record Bar on George Street That's Home to 15,000 Vinyls
Taking cues from Tokyo's listening bars, this George Street newcomer boasts a wide-spanning collection of records with Japanese snacks to pair.
Get ready to boogie: JAM Record Bar is here to shake up Sydney's CBD with a lively space filled with epic tunes. Merivale is behind the venue, with CEO Justin Hemmes and his Bettina driving a passion project that's aptly named after their parents John and Merivale.
Residing in George Street digs, this newcomer opens its doors on Friday, April 19 with 15,000 vinyl records and an enticing Japanese snack menu created by Sushi e's Head Chef Michael Fox. Plus, there's cocktails that draw inspiration from Japanese favourites, as well as the classics, curated by Merivale's Creative Cocktail Lead James Irvine.
The music-focused outpost's history is rooted in the legacy of its namesake, with the family, including John and Merivale, launching an array of JAM-titled projects from the 50s up until 2003. They ranged from JAM Jeans and its adjacent clothing store through to record label JAM Recordings, which founded national music festival Good Vibrations.
While the venue may be small, the hits are anything but. Merivale's Head of Music and Entertainment Nick van Tiel has taken on the task of ensuring that the record bar's vinyl collection — which spins on a custom vintage JBL sound system — is wide-spanning. Thanks to the diverse selection of tunes chosen by the JAM Record Bar team, you'll walk into a different set of songs each time.
This intimate spot takes cues from Tokyo's popular listening bars, putting its own spin on the concept. Justin and Bettina both worked with Akin Atelier and Merivale's in-house teams to bring the space to life. JAM Record Bar features pink plywood, cork and 'pink batt' insulation to create a surround-sound experience that emulates sitting inside a speaker box pumping out bangers.
As for eats, expect snacks like Japanese-style sandos, spring rolls and grilled skewers starring ingredients like furikake and yuzu tartare. The drinks list highlights the iconic highball and plenty of sake, alongside margaritas and a stiff old fashioned.
Find JAM Record Bar at 320 George Street, the Ivy Precinct, Sydney from Friday, April 19 — open 12pm–12am Monday–Saturday and 12pm–10pm Sunday.
Images: Mattia Panunzio.
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