Apart from having an obscure location, the prerequisite to opening a small bar in Sydney these days is to have a unique theme. We've seen it all, from whisky prohibition dens, to tequila bars. Even haberdashery has made an appearance. But Sydney's newest cbd small bar, has it's own unique take. Their bar is themed around vinyl. That's records for you Gen Y's - yes, they existed long before i-tunes was ever invented, or iphones, or ipods for that matter. In fact, the bar is located right behind much loved old school record store, Mojo Music. Enter the Mojo Record Bar.
The music industry is constantly evolving. From records, to cassette tapes, to CD's, to MP3s, to i-tunes - if you can't roll with the times, you're going to be left behind. So, cashing in on one of the fastest growing Sydney trends, Mojo Music owner, Neville Sergent, decided to take his love of vinyl, and turn it into his very own small bar.
The record collage displayed in the window on York Street is a dead give away the bar is hidden below. Walk down the stairs and past Mojo Music, through the red door and you're in.
A dark, moody space, with red booths, candles and ornate wallpaper. It will take your eyes a minute to adjust, but when they do, I think you'll like what you see. This place isn't pretending to be 'hipster' like Baxter's or Stitch, rather it celebrates a bygone era when a bar was all about a beer and a chin wag with your mate.
The music played is old school, and it's played directly from the shop. Don't expect to hear Lady Gaga piping from the speakers. Soul, blues, funk and garage is the name of the game here. If you ask nicely, you just may be able to choose the music for the bar from the store. Oh, and if you feel like taking your drink with you to peruse the record store, you're welcome.
The drinks list is not overly fussy. They have a good selection of exclusively Australian Craft Beers, Ciders, a decent Wine List and a few Cocktails, with names such as 'Corpse Reviver #2 - gin, contreau, sweet vermouth, fresh citrus and pastiese, served up and 'Smells like gin spirit' - hendricks, blackberry, campari, citrus, served on the rocks. They don't do food, however they're more than happy to order you a pizza, and you just might be lucky enough to get a bowl of tubes for your table.
My group and I have no trouble settling back into our booth this Thursday evening, relaxing and getting right into the casual, friendly atmosphere. We love that we can still talk to each other over the music and that the bar is not completely packed with a long line outside, well at least not quite yet. Whether you're 25 or 55, I think you're going to like this place, and I think you'll feel right at home, which is exactly the point in my mind. read more