MELBOURNE | Melbourne has a seen a few bars inspired by the listening bars of Japan open in recent years. Hawthorn’s Bar Selecta, recently opened by hospitality veterans Joey Tai, Adam Ong, Masa Hisaike, and Michael Tan, is arguably the one that comes closest to replicating that Tokyo vibe. The bar was on my radar before it opened, so when Michael invited me to come in and take a look, I didn’t hesitate to accept.
Hidden behind an unmarked gate on a laneway off Glenferrie Road, Bar Selecta replicates the sense of discovery of similar spots in Japan. There’s a small, dog-friendly courtyard behind the gate, and a wooden door that leads to the main bar. It’s a small mid-century themed bar, with 10 stools. To the side, sit a collection vinyl and a DJ booth. Facing the bar, is a glass brick wall, which bathes the space in warm hues as the sun sets.
Through the rear door, you’ll find a second space. A cosy 25-person lounge with couches and, like the front bar, an impressive vintage sound system and furnishings designed to work with the sound that comes from it. Each week, a rotating selection of DJs playing themed playlists feature. On Sundays, guests are encouraged to BYO vinyl.
The menu is focused on cocktails, whisky, and sake. Signature cocktails rotate seasonally, combining Japanese flavours, traditional, and modern techniques. I really enjoyed the Moon Shadow. It’s a twist on the Old Fashioned featuring Joey’s house Mooncake Gin, strawberry, azuki, and hojicha milk punch.
The sake list features an impressive number of premium sakes, categorised by flavour profile. Masa has experience managing sake bars in Japan, and really knows his stuff. I was impressed to see a sake from Fukushima on the menu, somethings you don’t often see in Australia. As far as the whiskey list goes, it’s a selection of interesting drops from around the world, with a Japanese lean.
At the moment, there’s only nuts and crisps to snack on, but this is likely to expand to a few more snacks once the bar find its groove. There’s also food and drink pop-ups. Kenny Chiu from Matsuyama has fired up the hibachi in the laneway a few times, and just this week, there were a couple of cocktails made in collaboration with Japanese whiskey distillers, Ichiro’s Malt.
Bar Selecta
Rear, 717 Glenferrie Road
Hawthorn
Victoria 3122
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Wed – Sat: 4:30pm to 1:00am
Sun: 4:30pm to 12:00am