Scene
Cover photo by: Letizia Cigliutti / Public Records
Not every night has to end in a packed club, soaked in sweat and shouting over the music. Lately, more and more people seem to agree. In cities like London, New York, Berlin, and Tokyo, hi-fi listening bars are becoming a quiet alternative – places built not for dancing, but for listening.
The idea isn’t brand new. It actually started decades ago in Japan, where small bars called “jazz kissa” played full jazz albums on expensive sound systems, while guests sat quietly, sipping whisky or coffee. It was more about the sound than the scene, as it was considerate a music culture unique to Japan.
That same spirit is now being revived, but with a modern touch. Today’s listening bars often look like stylish lounges or cafés, with carefully designed interiors, dim lighting, and speakers that cost more than a car. But the core idea is still the same – music first. You don’t come here to talk over the DJ. You come to actually hear what’s being played.
In London, Spiritland is one of the better-known examples. It opened in 2016 and helped start the trend in the UK. The space is calm, the sound system is custom-built, and DJs play a mix of jazz, ambient, soul, and electronic music — but at a volume where you can still talk. They even publish full setlists online, which shows how much they care about the music being played.
Public Records in Brooklyn is another strong example. It’s part hi-fi bar, part restaurant, and part club, all in one building. During the day, it’s a chill spot for coffee and vegan food, but at night it turns into a focused listening space or dance venue, depending on the night. Their sound system, built around a vintage rotary mixer and custom speakers, is famous among audiophiles.
For a lot of people, this hits the right balance. It’s social, but not chaotic. You can go alone or with friends, have a drink, and enjoy a night out, but without the pressure of being “on” all the time. There’s no dancefloor, no dress code, no bottle service. Just a space to slow down and reconnect with music in a real way.
And let’s be honest – sound quality matters. Once you sit in front of a proper hi-fi setup, you realize how much we’re missing when we listen through phone speakers or even in most clubs. The details, the warmth, the way a track opens up – it changes how you experience music.
At the same time, it reflects a wider shift in nightlife. Recently, clubs are closing, rents are going up, and not everyone wants to party until 6am anymore. Listening bars offer something more relaxed, but still rooted in music culture. They’re also more inclusive, you don’t have to be 22 or wear something flashy to feel welcome.
Maybe that’s why they’re catching on. In a time where everything moves fast and attention spans are short, these places offer the opposite. No distractions, no noise. Just a good record, a good drink, and space to breathe.
