London's surge of listening bars: prime spots for sipping drinks during the vinyl resurgence
Discovering London's Hidden Gems: A Journey Through the City's Listening Bars
London, a city known for its vibrant nightlife, is home to a growing enclave of listening bars that offer a unique experience for music enthusiasts. These establishments, with their focus on high-quality sound systems and vinyl record collections, provide an intimate setting to enjoy a wide range of genres.
One such listening bar is Seed Library, located in the cavernous basement of 100 Shoreditch hotel. A sibling to the award-winning Lyaness bar, Seed Library offers a tranquil escape, where nature, high-end cocktails, bar snacks, and a selection of vinyl are the main attractions.
Another gem is Rhythm & Brews, found in Chiswick, London. This listening bar boasts a focus on amazing coffee, craft beers, great food, and classic records. Customers can browse through a selection of vinyl and have their chosen record play throughout the bar. Rhythm & Brews also hosts periodic live music nights, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
The concept of listening bars originated in Japan in the 1950s, with intimate spaces playing jazz recordings on high-end sound systems. This tradition has been beautifully recreated in Kioku, located in London. Modeled after traditional Japanese jazz kissa bars, Kioku offers over 100 types of sake, curated by 'Sake Samurai' Natsuki Kikuya.
The first London listening bar to fully embrace this concept was Spiritland, located in Kings Cross. Opened in 2016, Spiritland features a behemoth sound system with Living Voice speakers and Atelier du Triode vacuum tube amplifiers. The venue hosts sets from well-known DJs, playing everything from Balearic beats to jazz and eclectic electro.
Jazu, located in Deptford, is another listening bar worth mentioning. Its sound system was created by south London audio engineer Bosco Taylor. Jazu's vinyl collection is curated by one of the founders, Jimmy Hanmer.
All My Friends, a hybrid space combining a bar, record shop, and riverside terrace, can be found in east London. This venue, with its focus on the vibrancy of the Caribbean diaspora, offers a unique listening bar experience, complete with a bespoke single turntable system and vintage tape echo units.
Lastly, we have Jumbi, located in Peckham. This listening bar offers a distinct atmosphere, with a focus on the music and culture of the Caribbean.
These listening bars, each with its unique charm and character, offer a refreshing change from the typical nightlife scene. Whether you're a music aficionado, a vinyl enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique night out, London's listening bars are definitely worth a visit.
