Latest news with #JoeyTai
Hypebeast
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Inside Bar Selecta, the 10-Seat Listening Bar Where Sake Meets Soul
Summary Melbourne'sBar Selectadoesn't shout, it hums. Located on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, this 10-seat listening bar is the work of six hospitality veterans:Joey Tai(ex–Flower Drum),Masaki Hisaike(sake sommelier),Kelvin Low(The Elysian),Adam Ong(Golden Monkey), andMichaelandEleena Tan(Brand Works). The concept pays homage to Japan's intimate vinyl bars, where the music takes centre stage. Expect 1950s jazz records, obscure Japanese funk and throwbacks fromLana Del Reyto De La Soul, played through vintageJBLsin a space framed by red onyx, orange glass bricks and mid-century modern minimalism. Behind the red onyx marble bar, drinks riff off the vinyl energy. Try the Sailor Moon Gimlet, a neon mix of Japanese gin, cherry blossom cordial, and Midori, or sip premium saké out of a wine glass, guided by mood and flavour rather than pretence. The venue also features a 25-person lounge and laneway terrace, with Sunday BYO vinyl sessions and yakitori on the horizon. The vibe is summed up by the team's quiet mantra: 'Softly spoken. Deeply felt.' For those chasing thoughtful cocktails, rare sake and warm frequencies, Bar Selecta hits the right note. Bar SelectaRear entry, 717 Glenferrie RdHawthorn VIC 3122
The Age
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Melbourne now has a Tokyo-style listening bar in a suburban laneway
Previous SlideNext Slide Japanese$$$$ Laneway hideaway Bar Selecta in Hawthorn blends vintage vinyl, analogue audio gear and retro design cues to transport you to another time and place – specifically a Tokyo listening bar. Growing out of postwar coffee houses for jazz enthusiasts, listening bars went on to embody the golden age of '80s and '90s hi-fi. The 10-seat Selecta is an homage to these venues, serving carefully crafted sips that share equal billing with the audio. A music-inspired cocktail menu includes drinks like Tempo Pop, Bebop Kiss and Bittersweet FM, while future drink specials will tie in with specific genres. Seasonal cocktails celebrate Japanese flavours: a gimlet mixes Midori, sakura (cherry blossom) and pineapple-yuzu bitters with gin, and a milk punch stars strawberry, red bean liqueur, toasty hojicha and mooncake gin made by bar director Joey Tai (ex- Flower Drum). Whiskies are mostly Japanese, and sake is listed by profiles such as 'Soft, Balanced and Elegant' and 'Earthy, Umami-Rich and Complex'. These are joined by Japanese beers, a handful of independent Australian wines and simple bar snacks, such as crisps and nuts.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Melbourne now has a Tokyo-style listening bar in a suburban laneway
Previous SlideNext Slide Japanese$$$$ Laneway hideaway Bar Selecta in Hawthorn blends vintage vinyl, analogue audio gear and retro design cues to transport you to another time and place – specifically a Tokyo listening bar. Growing out of postwar coffee houses for jazz enthusiasts, listening bars went on to embody the golden age of '80s and '90s hi-fi. The 10-seat Selecta is an homage to these venues, serving carefully crafted sips that share equal billing with the audio. A music-inspired cocktail menu includes drinks like Tempo Pop, Bebop Kiss and Bittersweet FM, while future drink specials will tie in with specific genres. Seasonal cocktails celebrate Japanese flavours: a gimlet mixes Midori, sakura (cherry blossom) and pineapple-yuzu bitters with gin, and a milk punch stars strawberry, red bean liqueur, toasty hojicha and mooncake gin made by bar director Joey Tai (ex- Flower Drum). Whiskies are mostly Japanese, and sake is listed by profiles such as 'Soft, Balanced and Elegant' and 'Earthy, Umami-Rich and Complex'. These are joined by Japanese beers, a handful of independent Australian wines and simple bar snacks, such as crisps and nuts.
