With just 10 seats in the main bar, the Bar Selecta team likes to joke that the venue is small enough for drinkers to hold hands with the DJ. But behind this tiny bar is a team with a big pedigree: former Flower Drum bartender Joey Tai, saké sommelier Masaki Hisaike, The Elysian co-owner Kelvin Low, Golden Monkey co-founder Adam Ong and Brand Works ’s Michael and Eleena Tan.

Like Waxflower and Music Room , this Hawthorn bar is inspired by Japanese-style listening bars. But unlike Japan’s listening bars, where drinks are often secondary to the music, the two share equal billing here. There’s playful takes on classics – including the Sailor Moon Gimlet, which combines Japanese gin, cherry blossom cordial, pickled melon, pineapple-yuzu bitters and Midori.

There’s a curated saké selection that shows its diversity of styles: sparkly and cloudy, dry and savoury, balanced and elegant, fruit-forward, aromatic, earthy and umami. In addition to the 10-seat front bar, there’s a cosy 25-person lounge, serviced by a vintage waiters’ station and drinks cart. And a dog-friendly outdoor area is accessible via the laneway.