Client

• Michael Tan

Industry & Type

• Bar

Services

• Interior Concept

• 3D Renders

• Construction Documentation

• Interior Styling

Brief

Bar Selecta is a tribute to the golden age of listening lounges, where music, mixology, and mood come together in perfect harmony. Conceived as a modern nod to Japan’s kissaten jazz bars, it’s a space designed for those who savour the ritual of great sound, thoughtful drinks, and unhurried nights. From curated vinyl sessions to whisky tastings and late-night conversations, Bar Selecta is for the lovers of atmosphere, those seeking intimacy, discovery, and the simple pleasure of losing themselves in music with good company.

Approach

A unique 10-seater audiophile-grade music listening bar, it’s a hidden gem nestled behind Cocolo. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese kissaten Jazz cafe lounges of the post-war 50s, our establishment aims to recapture the acoustic magic and drinking culture of that era in a modern way. Catering to connoisseurs of quality sound, refined drinks, and delectable food, we present a mix of curated wines, creative cocktails, and Japanese street-inspired cuisine. 

Challenges

Designing Bar Selecta came with uniquely complex challenges. As a 10-seat audiophile listening bar tucked at the rear of 717 Glenferrie Road, the compact and hidden location demanded precise acoustic control without sacrificing warmth or hospitality. Every material, from dense timbers to glowing glass brick walls, acoustic ceiling had to enhance sound clarity while functioning in a busy service environment. Noise bleed from the laneway and neighbouring venues required careful isolation and speaker calibration. Beyond the technical constraints, the space also needed to appeal to Melbourne’s diverse crowd of music lovers, design-minded locals, and curious travellers. Balancing intimacy, culture, and high-quality sound within such tight parameters defined the project’s character.

Outcome

This project transforms a compact laneway site into an evocative, Tokyo-inspired listening bar. With modest space and modest budget, every millimetre has been considered. The orange acrylic protective guard around the decks allows the DJ to slot in a vinyl sleeve, storing it but also acting as a display of what's playing. The silhouette of the upholstered bar front has been designed to mimic sound waves, playful and retro. The material palette is a balancing act between swinging sixties colour pops and brutalist 'Blade Runner' style lighting. Red onyx, cherrywood and orange velvet upholstery to soften, whilst amber glass bricks and blue neon lights cast a gradient over the soundscape, much like Tokyo after a rain shower. The modest laneway entry reinforces the venue’s identity as a crafted, immersive micro-destination rooted in ritual and design-led hospitality. Inside? A theatrical interplay of sound, texture and light.

Client Testimonial

“Bar Selecta is a 10-seater Japanese-inspired music listening bar, born from a love of vinyl, acoustics, bar craft and connection. We asked BrandWorks to help us bring a quiet, niche idea to life—something that captured the spirit of Tokyo’s kissaten bars but reimagined for Melbourne. What they delivered exceeded every expectation. The interiors are where the magic happens. BrandWorks didn’t just design a space—they designed an experience. Every material, finish, and spatial cue supports our mission: to slow down, tune in, and be present. The lighting, acoustics, and flow of the room are meticulously considered to balance intimacy with performance; elevating sips with sound. But what makes this project award-worthy is the way BrandWorks seamlessly wove strategy, branding, and interiors into a singular, unified vision. Their interior design is not standalone—it’s the physical expression of a clear brand world. Our service philosophy is ‘Omotenashi’, where care is considered first beyond expectation. You feel the narrative as soon as you walk through the door. They understood the importance of designing for the senses. They elevated a simple concept into something emotionally resonant and operationally smart. Their team was thoughtful, detailed, and genuinely invested in our success. Since opening, Bar Selecta has been featured by some of Melbourne’s most respected publications, including Good Food, The Age, Broadsheet, New York Times Australia, Beat Magazine, Delicious, Sitchu, Hypebeast, and Boothby, among others. The response has been overwhelming. Night after night, guests arrive as strangers and leave having shared conversations, and making new friendships—exactly the kind of connection we dreamed of creating. It’s rare to find a creative partner who truly understands your vision and can bring it to life with such integrity and depth. It’s rare to find a partner you can trust this deeply—with BrandWorks, we did.”

— Adam Ong, Strategy & Partnerships, Bar Selecta.