NOW EXPERIENCING:Astral Weeks
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Website
astral-weeks.com.au
Instagram
@astral_weeks_bar

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 03 Oct 2022

By
Max Veenhuyzen


A DJ playing a set at Astral Weeks in Perth

Hidden down a Chinatown alleyway, this hi-fi listening bar thrills with a great cross-section of drinks and one of the city’s finest sound systems, making it a smash hit.

Inside Astral Weeks in Perth, which has a lot of vinyl
Why you goMusic lovers, rejoice! Here’s a place where the tunes aren’t just background noise, but front and centre, Literally. The first thing you see when you enter is a wall of records along with the night’s DJ hunched over the turntables. Named after an album by singer-songwriter Van Morrison, Astral Weeks is Perth’s first hi-fi listening bar, and part of a growing global fraternity of venues that play vinyl on high-end sound systems. Throw in a great cross-section of drinks, an unexpected address in Chinatown, and a steady rotation of events  and guest DJs, and it’s little surprise the bar has been a hit since it opened in early 2022.
Why you stayWarning: a visit to Astral Weeks may trigger a new-found obsession with hi-fi audio. The bar’s hand-built sound system isn’t just crystal-clear, it’s somehow also conducive to conversation, meaning you’ll be able to hear what your friends are saying as well as the finer details of the Miles Davis record that’s playing. While things occasionally get spicy – generally on the Friday nights when the old-school hip-hop gets wheeled out – the room’s default setting is an enthusiastic hum as guests soak up everything from techno and rock to reggae. The glassware has been chosen with the same care as the music, and the crowd takes in everyone from jazz aficionados to off-duty chefs and waiters.
What drink to orderLike the soundtrack, the drinks list is an attractive mix of things you’ll recognise and things you probably won’t. While there’s Swan Draught and Guinness on tap, for instance, the packaged ales run from cans of organic Wildflower Table Beer (a lower-alcohol ale designed to be enjoyed with food) to high-powered hazy IPAs. The wine list leans towards the renegade, but the offer of French rosé, full-bodied West Australian shiraz and other popular styles keeps everyone happy. Bartenders can mix classic cocktails including Negronis and Spritzes, while a compact selection of spirits offers nightcap options aplenty.
Why we love itEven if you’re dropping in for a quick drink, you’ll leave with a music discovery or two. The volume and clarity of the sound system makes Shazamming songs a breeze, although the cover of the record that’s playing is also displayed in the DJ booth. As long as they’re not in the middle of mixing records, DJs are happy to talk music, as are the staff. Bartenders have been hired for their music knowledge as much as their drink-making ability, meaning they can tell you about the pinot in your glass as well as the backstory of the house record on the turntable.
The seating at Astral Weeks in Perth
Regular’s tipDeciding which part of the bar to sit in feels like a grown-up version of “top bunk or bottom bunk?”. The sound is best at ground level, but the seats on the mezzanine offer a little more privacy. (bonus: upstairs is also a great vantage point for taking bird’s- eye photos and videos for Instagram.). While the in-house food menu – bread, olives, anchovies – is limited, the bar is surrounded by late-night Asian eating options galore. If you’ve snagged a spot outside, laneway neighbours Billy Lee’s and Hawker’s Cuisine are happy to deliver dishes straight to your table.
The impressive vinyl collection at Astral Weeks
Make it fancyAlthough user-friendliness is a key part of its appeal, Astral Weeks also has options for those who want to flex a little. The core wine list will always have a bottle of Champagne and white Burgundy (the French region is one of the spiritual homes of chardonnay) for celebrating, but the specials blackboard is where you’ll find the newest, often more fancy stuff. A juicy Swan Valley grenache made in minuscule quantities, perhaps, or a fragrant Victorian vermouth. On the cocktail side of things, consider upmarket concoctions such as the Old Fashioned made with mezcal – tequila’s smokier, more intense cousin.
Who to takeWhile music is a major part of the Astral Weeks experience, a nightclub this ain’t. Rather, the focus is on creating a polished, lively atmosphere for listening and conversation. While this sleek, dimly lit space is perfect for late nights and date nights, it’s also the sort of place you could happily settle in to as a solo guest. Finally, the bar’s central location in Northbridge makes it an excellent first or last stop on any night out, or as a quick detour after a day in the office.