RETRO fashion, lifestyles and art forms are making a comeback.
For those with an insatiable penchant for music from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s as well as from the 2010s, they can pop by a visually stimulating bar along Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya, aptly named Visuals.
The nostalgia kicks in as you make your way up to the first floor, where you are greeted by bright and colourful LED lighting and mostly wooden panelling, with multiple TV screens on the walls.
Guests can either watch the sports channel, fashion show or music videos from the abovementioned eras.
“Some of our customers say they had never seen the music videos of their favourite songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s until they came here,” said Visuals proprietor Gary Jansen, who used to helm Groove bar in Desa Sri Hartamas from 2014 to 2018. He refers to Visuals as his “Groove 2.0.”
Visuals is really endearingly reminiscent of a 1970s disco with a modern edge.
There is even a mini catwalk in the middle of the seating area for you to strut like John Travolta.
The name of the bar, however, is not overtly displayed at the entrance door downstairs, but look out for the TEN-The Entertainment Network bar on the ground floor.
There are no live bands at Visuals, as the focus is on the DJ kiosk. Jansen’s background includes deejaying and managing events in the last 15 years, and he has been in the F&B industry since he was 17.
“From 1988 to 1995, there was this genre of music going around and I loved that. I wanted that for Visuals.
“Deejaying has changed over the years. Back in the day, the DJ would play a particular song until the second chorus, but nowadays the DJs get to the first chorus and cut.
“We curate the songs at Visuals,” added 50-year-old Jansen.
“The mood is vibrant and the music is pumping, but we want to ensure that you can still talk and have a conversation amid the music.
“It is not too loud here. We want to provide a sense of warmth when our customers walk through the door,” he said.
The bar that opened in July has a dress code – no slippers (flip flops), shorts or singlets.
The clientele at Visuals is mostly beer drinkers and those who indulge in shots, as well as spirits by the bottle.
A range of interesting craft beers and IPAs are available too, including Australian wines and speciality cocktails from classics such as mojito, martini, sangria Tom Collins and Old Fashioned, with happy hour promotions throughout the week.
There is no kitchen at Visuals, but you can order pub grub from the restaurant downstairs.
The bestsellers are crispy chicken wings and fried calamari, which are scrumptious with the slightly spicy batter that is not greasy, and great with drinks.
Wednesdays and Thursdays are Ladies’ Nights from 8pm to 10pm.
VISUALS BAR AND RESTAURANT, 125A (1st Floor), Jalan Gasing, Section 10, Petaling Jaya. Business hours: 5pm to 1am, daily.
Tel: 012-686 6938.
