OCTO is a record store, cafe, charcoal bar and listening room on Aro Street in Wellington. By day it runs as a record shop with coffee and snacks; after 5 p.m. it moves into bar service, with cocktails, wine, beer and Japanese-inspired food from the charcoal grill.
The vinyl side is central. Benjamin James brings Herb’s Mobile Record Store into the space as OctoHerb, and records play from 10 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday. DJs are vinyl-only, with Friday and Saturday night sets and no entry fee. The music policy is broad rather than jazz-only, with the volume kept at a level where conversation still works.
The room is small, low-lit and intimate, with space for around 45 people. It suits records, drinks, skewers and a slower Aro Valley night rather than a club setting.