Concept Vinyl Listening Bar

Concept: The South West’s First Vinyl Listening Bar

Nestled at the top of Fore Street in Ilfracombe, Concept is the South West’s first dedicated vinyl listening bar. Intimate yet welcoming, the venue offers a carefully curated environment where music, wine, art and conversation come together in effortless harmony.

Blending timeless design with contemporary sensibilities, Concept has been created as a sanctuary for music lovers, creatives and aesthetes alike. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to foster an atmosphere that is both refined and relaxed, inviting guests to slow down, listen and connect.

At the heart of the venue is a devotion to vinyl culture. Records are played through a high-fidelity sound system designed for immersive listening, while a carefully selected collection of vinyl is available to browse and purchase. The musical programming is eclectic yet intentional, moving fluidly through jazz, electronic, reggae, funk, surf and beyond. Selections are guided by mood, time of day and the energy of the room, creating a soundtrack that evolves naturally throughout each session.

Complementing the music is a thoughtfully chosen wine list, along with beautifully prepared cheese boards and a selection of small nibbles. Bottled beers and ciders, alcohol-free alternatives, soft drinks and hot beverages are also available. The philosophy is simple: quality over quantity, atmosphere over noise.

Beyond music and refreshments, guests can explore an ever-changing collection of curated artworks, vintage glassware and ceramics, books, and limited-edition clothing pieces. Each item has been selected to reflect the venue’s distinctive aesthetic, where the timeless and the contemporary sit comfortably side by side.

Concept is the collaborative vision of two well-known South West creatives.

Steve Optix, a DJ with more than three decades of experience and widely recognised for providing the soundtrack to countless sunsets on Combe Martin Beach, brings an extensive musical knowledge and a deep understanding of how sound can shape an experience. Alongside him is Naomi Barker, author, artist and lifelong music enthusiast, whose discerning eye and creative sensibility have helped define the venue’s visual identity and curated offering.

Together, they have created something that extends beyond the traditional bar experience: a cultural space that is intimate, stylish and rooted in community. A place where exceptional music, considered design and genuine human connection take centre stage.

Open three days a week, with a growing programme of special events and guest sessions, Concept has quickly established itself as a destination for both locals and visitors seeking something unique within North Devon’s coastal cultural landscape.