In a subterranean spot beneath Commercial Bay sits Kemuri Hi-Fi, a bespoke new basement lounge bringing the essence of Tokyo’s jazz kissas to the heart of the city.
The sultry underground bar is the brainchild of world-renowned bartender Jason Clark (JC) and promoter and record collector Vishal Vasan, aka DJ Vee. A subterranean sanctuary that uniquely showcases Clark’s fine whisky collection and Vee’s extensive assemblage of vinyl records, the vibrant new spot feels like a truly novel addition to the city’s hospitality scene, “Good music and delicious drinks are the key elements to a great bar experience,” says Vee. “Our collections are a slice of our personal journeys through hospitality and entertainment.”
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An escape from the city’s hustle, Kemuri Hi-Fi offers an intimate social hub where high-quality drinks and curated music take centre stage (with a few Japanese bites thrown in for good measure), “Many years of travel, experiencing bars throughout the US, UK and Japan inspired us to create a uniquely Kiwi version of the classic Japanese jazz kissa,” says JC of his new co-found venture, “Kemuri Hi-Fi will be more like an international version of a kissa. In Japan, the drinks are often quite basic and you’re there to sip and listen, not talk. Whereas the international versions have more of a vibrant vibe, and this is what we’ll offer at Kemuri.” he continues.
Here, the drinks certainly go beyond basic, with an inventive cocktail menu, a curated wine list with an emphasis placed on quality Champagne, and, of course, an extensive whisky offering. In fact, JC’s whisky collection (which forms the basis of the offering), has been decades in the making, “I’ve picked up spirits of all kinds, but the bulk of it has been whisky. Many bottles were purchased on travels through Scotland, the US, Japan and Dubai,” he tells me, continuing, “Over the years I’ve opened, shared, and enjoyed far more than I’ve managed to keep sealed, but what I have kept and shipped home is all pretty special stuff — much of which isn’t available here,” he proudly states. “These whiskies, along with others hand-selected from local partners, will be displayed in cabinets and laid out according to flavour profiles as opposed to regions, making it much easier for people to navigate and select a whisky that suits their personal preferences.”
But, while Kemuri Hi-Fi undoubtedly specialises in whisky, there’s a lot more on the drinks menu to get excited about. With JC being a world-renowned cocktail bartender, a comprehensive and highly creative edit of high-level cocktails is guaranteed. “I’ve let the creativity run wild on this cocktail menu, alongside some clean, minimalist drinks to balance it out. I’m particularly excited about running a Japanese ice carving program which will really elevate our serves.” Being big Champagne fans, JC and Vee have set up partnerships with Moet, Dom Perignon, Krug and Armand De Brignac, to ensure they have an incredible selection of fine and rare Champagnes available.
Music also plays a fundamental role at Kemuri Hi-Fi, and, drawing inspiration from the incredible, bespoke sound systems you’ll find at Tokyo’s jazz kissas, Vee and JC commissioned a bespoke high-fidelity sound system by Tobias Shaughnessy of Tub’s Audio, which sits produly behind the bar and builds rich, layered, warm sonics. The space itself is fitted with acoustic materials to enhance the listening experience, while the music — Kemuri Hi-Fi’s essence, is Vee’s vinyl collection, accumulated over the course of a musical journey that began as a teenager in his hometown of Wellington in the early 1990s and has been collecting ever since. “Kemuri Hi-Fi will be a high-fidelity lounge for us to host a talented pool of incredible DJs, along with a carefully selected range of passionate record collectors who will be sharing their own musical influences and stories for the listening pleasure of our guests.” says Vee.
Further setting the bar apart, Vee and JC have dreamt up a number of alluring memberships (one of which includes a personalised bottle of single malt to sip on site) for those who want to connect with the bar and appreciate its equal parts: community and culture. The Whisky Membership offers VIP perks, plus a personal bottle of Kemuri Hi-Fi whisky to sip whilst visiting. Vee and JC have collaborated with Waiheke Whisky to craft a bespoke single malt whisky, with only 200 bottles produced, hand-filled from a single cask. The Champagne Membership offers similar perks, alongside access to exclusive Champagne and wine offerings and events, and your own bottle of Moet Grand Vintage, while the Kemuri Hi-Fi VIP Membership grants members access to monthly members events and early access to ticketed Kemuri Hi-Fi music events.
With a bespoke high-fidelity sound system, meticulously designed space, tasty bites, and an unrivalled selection of libations, Kemuri Hi-Fi blends the essence of Japanese kissas with Clark and Vee’s unique journeys, creating a haven for whisky aficionados and music lovers alike. “Come into our space, sit back, relax with a delicious drink and enjoy the music while we tell you a story and take you on a journey.”
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm until Late
Kemuri Hi-Fi
1 Queen Street Basement
Commercial Bay
Auckland CBD
