Paragon is a 13-seat listening bar on Peel Street, built around the JBL Paragon that gives the room its name. The cabinet is furniture-scale even by vintage hi-fi standards, and the low leather chairs face it instead of leaving it as another expensive piece of décor. Shelves packed with records line the room; carpet, curtains and upholstered seating soften a compact space that still shows plenty of hard surface.
Owner David Lai selects from his own collection. Jazz and Great American Songbook standards set the centre of gravity, with lounge and hip-hop widening the programme. Vintage McIntosh amplification and proper record playback complete a setup chosen for listening rather than display.
This is social listening, not silent jazz-kissa discipline. There are cocktails and close conversation, and with only 13 seats, the experience will depend on where you land. Go early, choose one of the chairs facing the system, and give the record a little time before getting distracted by the drinks.