Cool Hunting
The 12 million person metropolis of Tokyo has gone all quiet and traditional. Tiny, obscured bars buried in dark alleyways behind nondescript doors are inviting small numbers of trusted patrons to quiet nights of reserved nightlife where a word of mouth invitation is the hottest ticket in this technology-obsessed city.
Recounted through a fine piece of travel writing, Julia Chaplin of the NY Times strayed far from the well-trodden tourist grid to experience the secretive, whispered nightlife chosen by Tokyo's socialites and party set. Embracing tradition and finding respite from an always-on connected lifestyle, Tokyo's fashionistas, artists and designers are secretively guarding their new-found nightspots to enjoy quiet conversation and quality company in a more homely atmosphere than the more common western-style nightclubs and bars.
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by Julie Wolfson Often tucked away on side streets and down alleys, some of the best bars and restaurants in Tokyo are behind unmarked doors. Bar Rage takes that notion to an extreme, with no signs of a bar from the exterior. A tiny elevator lifts guests to the third floor, unveiling a huge space that boasts an extensive vintage liquor collection, a bar with...
Fifteen years since the original club opened in London's Elephant and Castle, Ministry of Sound has evolved beyond all recognition into a truly global brand. These days, it doesn't just sell dance music of all shades, but also the audio equipment to listen to it on, and even clubbing holidays to places like Egypt. Ministry's latest off-shoot is the Minibar, which aims to be...
The Big Chill Festival was one of my highlights of last year, and with Glastonbury taking a break in 2006, it's likely to attract even more people this summer. Off the back of its success, the Big Chill brand is quietly establishing itself in London. First with its eponymous bar off Brick Lane, and now with The Big Chill House. It's planning an opening...
B@ TV is a new platform (still currently in beta) created for virtual and vicarious clubbing. A pioneering web TV community, the channel broadcasts from every major club event in the world with exclusive content from the hottest international DJs—from WMC events to Deadmau5 in London. Featured DJ Pete Tong says, "b@ gives fans the music we are playing unedited, uninterrupted and with all the...
by Laura Neilson Most of us associate the term "mini-bar" with hotel room fridges harboring overpriced soft drinks, booze and snacks, but in Amsterdam, it's a decidedly unusual addition to the city's nightlife. Minibar, the recently-opened drinking spot in the Dutch city's center, operates by allowing customers to serve themselves from the bar's series of variously-sized beverage coolers. After checking in with a staff member...
Following the success of their Red Hummingbird on Russell Street in Melbourne (famous for its hummingbird wallpaper), the owners recently opened The Emerald Peacock bar and restaurant on Londsdale Street. While I'm sure the food and drink is fantastic, it's the sumptuous interior that's creating all the buzz. It again features signature wallpaper, used as the starting point for the entire design. Each space...
