A new bar and live music venue has taken the place of the old Polyester Records
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31.05.2021

A new bar and live music venue has taken the place of the old Polyester Records

Sarah Mary Chadwick performing at Avalon Bar
Words by Tom Parker

Have you checked out Brunswick Street’s new bar, Avalon, yet?

When Polyester Records shut up shop at the beginning of 2020, Brunswick Street lost a vital cultural commodity, a place for music lovers to get lost and enjoy doing it.

That gap has now been occupied with the emergence of Avalon – a new bar that will satisfy enthusiasts from all corners of the artistic spectrum. Whether you’re down for a knock-off after work, are keen to catch some live music, or want to boogie the night away come the weekend, Avalon is the place for you.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.

Sarah Mary Chadwick has been performing a year-long Wednesday residency at the venue, atop a stage that’s been built to honour Polyester Records – a venue that was not only one of Melbourne’s most respected record stores but also regularly hosted in-store performances, including big names such as Nile Rodgers, Spoon and Chris Cohen.

Avalon came to be after owner Brian Edwards, also known for his work at East Elevation, Monsieur Truffe, Amarillo and The Tote’s kitchen, began to notice Brunswick Street veering down a undesired path, making it less appealing than it once was.

Harnessing the verve of its party-starting predecessors Crazy Arms (the bar that sat at the rear of Polyester Records), Edwards intends Avalon to not only become a home for live music but also a place for weekend dance parties, including regular events organised by members of the PoC and LGBTIQ+ communities.

The bar is fitted with seven taps, offering Stomping Grounds beer, Noisy Ritual wines, Moon Dog seltzer and cocktails that are made in house, including a spicy margarita and pina colada.

With David Lynch and the Memphis scene as stylistic inspirations, Avalon will also be available for affordable private parties.

 

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Avalon is located at 387 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Hit their Instagram page for more info.