London gets new listening bar, Moonglow, this month

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  • All profits from the temporary Dalston audiophile spot and coffee shop will go to the Steve Reid Foundation.
  • London gets new listening bar, Moonglow, this month image
  • Another listening bar is coming to Kingsland Road in Dalston, East London. Moonglow, a new temporary audiophile bar and cafe, will sit just a few storefronts down from Brilliant Corners. Inspired by Japan's jazz kissa, it'll be equipped with founder Charlie Osborne's personal record collection and hi-fi, featuring 1970s Tannoy speakers and Thorens turntables. The spot will open on October 25th and close on November 18th, with all proceeds going to the Steve Reid Foundation, a charity set up to help people working in music. Moonglow is a passion project for Osborne. "I have a 'boring' corporate job. However, I am very lucky that I am being given a month off as a paid sabbatical," he said. "Although the expectation is that I would travel and relax with that time, I am actually going to use it to follow a dream of mine and open a small record listening bar and coffee shop in Dalston." Like with other listening bars, Osborne wants to give DJs the opportunity to explore parts of their collection they usually keep at home. "The bar will not really be focused on dancing in a club sense, although it should ramp up towards something fun at the end of each night!" He hopes Moonglow, which he will run himself alongside his family and friends, will stand out for its cosy and friendly space. "There are already one or two bars in London with beautiful hi-fis playing records, but the intimate size of Moonglow and the generosity of spirit in people coming together for the Steve Reid Foundation should hopefully make it a special place!" In addition to music and coffee, Moonglow will feature on-theme art by photographer Philip Arneill of Tokyo Jazz Joints. Limited edition prints will be on sale, with proceeds also going to the Steve Reid Foundation. Learn more about Japanese audiophile bars in Aaron Coultate's 2016 feature.
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