JAM Record Bar

JAM Record Bar, designed by Akin Atelier founder Kelvin Ho, is a vibrant new addition to Sydney’s George Street, seamlessly blending mid-century Tokyo charm with modern Australian sensibilities.

This compact, 80-square-metre bar, created for Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes, is a passion project named after his parents, John and Merivale, and draws its name from their earlier ventures under the JAM label.

GALLERY  

The inspiration for JAM Record Bar stems from a trip to Japan, where Hemmes and Ho immersed themselves in the cosy, nostalgic atmosphere of Tokyo’s iconic listening bars. Determined to recreate that unique ambiance, Ho set out to design a space that felt intimate and immersive, despite its small size. The bar seats 45 patrons and boasts an impressive collection of 15,000 vinyl records, alongside a DJ booth that anchors the experience.

Akin Atelier’s design philosophy for JAM Record Bar centres on simplicity and nostalgia, with a palette dominated by pink plywood and exposed insulation, both of which contribute to the bar’s distinctive monochrome aesthetic. The use of pink fibreglass insulation panels, supplied by New Zealand’s Pink Batts, was not only a practical choice for enhancing the space’s acoustic properties but also a bold design statement. This pink hue extends across the ceiling, walls, and all bespoke plywood joinery, including the bar and geometric stools, creating a cohesive and playful environment.

Ho’s design is complemented by the work of Merivale’s styling director, Bettina Hemmes, and design director, Nasim Koerting, who selected vintage light fittings and objects to enhance the bar’s retro vibe. The entrance, with its grid of circular windows, along with neon signage in the windows, further reinforces the connection to Tokyo’s mid-century era and the golden age of vinyl.

JAM Record Bar is a testament to the power of simple materials used in innovative ways. By blending accessible elements like plywood and insulation with a carefully curated aesthetic, Akin Atelier has created a space that feels both familiar and extraordinary – a perfect encapsulation of Tokyo’s cosy listening bars, brought to life in the heart of Sydney.

Images by Tim Salisbury

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