Jam Record Bar

Standing inside Jam – Merivale’s entry into Sydney’s growing record bar scene – is like being inside a big pink speaker box. Designed as a twist on a Tokyo listening bar, this compact spot opposite Bar Totti’s flaunts a vintage JBL sound system, with the team spinning daily vinyl selections from a 15000-strong catalogue. Merivale’s head of music and entertainment, Nick Van Tiel, is behind the dream curation.

To go with the tunes, Sushi E head chef Michael Fox has created a menu featuring Japanese sandos, grilled skewers and filet-o-fish spring rolls. There are more nods to Japan on the drinks side – like yuzu highballs on tap and togarashi Margaritas, courtesy of group creative cocktail lead, James Irvine.

As for the name, Justin and Bettina Hemmes are paying tribute to family history. Parents John and Merivale launched a fashion label and clothing store under the Jam brand, both synonymous with ’70s Australian style. And – believe it or not – an album, also called Jam. Justin would later launch a record label, Jam Recordings, in 2003.