In Chennai, Ragu Muthiah has realized a long-held dream by opening Vinyl & Brew, a cafe that harmoniously combines his love for vinyl records and coffee.
Muthiah, who previously worked in advertising and managed a production house, embarked on this venture with no formal background in coffee or the restaurant industry. His passion for coffee, sparked during the pandemic when many turned to home-based hobbies, led him to explore various Indian coffee roasters and estates. Although initially aiming to establish a roastery, Muthiah pivoted to curating high-quality beans as numerous enthusiasts began roasting their own coffee.
As I visit Vinyl & Brew, the atmosphere is vibrant, with Elton John setting a nostalgic tone in the background. Muthiah, actively engaged in guiding customers through the coffee menu, invites me to select a vinyl record. The cafe’s musical repertoire, dictated by the patrons, fluidly shifts through jazz, pop, and blues.
Behind the counter, Muthiah’s inexperienced yet enthusiastic team crafts pourovers using an array of brewing devices, including Chemex, Vario V60, Origami, and Kalita brewers. Despite their lack of experience, the team’s eagerness to experiment with different flavors and equipment adds a unique charm to the cafe.
I sample a selection of their offerings, beginning with a fragrant fermented rose coffee brewed on a Chemex. Its delicate aroma evokes memories of blooming gardens. Next, a medium roast from the Ananthagiri Hills impresses with its rich, viscous flavor. Lastly, I indulge in a silky cortado made from Gudalur coffee beans, a dark roast blend.
Muthiah prides himself on representing various coffee-growing regions, with the menu featuring beans from Chikmangalur, Araku Valley, and Meghalaya. For a different experience, customers can try cascara, a tea made from coffee cherry pulp.
Although the primary focus is on coffee, Vinyl & Brew also offers a thoughtfully curated food menu. Highlights include toasties on buttery sourdough—one with sautéed eggplant and Italian tomato sauce, and another with grilled papaya, mixed greens, cream cheese, and herbs. Additional options include lemon zest gnocchi, hummus, beetroot salad, and French toast in sweet or savory varieties.
Ragu’s philosophy excludes sugar from the coffee offerings, encouraging customers to savor the full spectrum of coffee flavors. After immersing myself in the nuances of black coffee, I treat myself to a slice of rich, dark chocolate cake, a perfect complement to the coffee.
Envisioning Vinyl & Brew as a community hub for music, Ragu has incorporated a guitar and space for a makeshift stage, hinting at future live performances. His goal is to foster connections among patrons by encouraging them to disconnect from their phones and engage with the music. Plans for listening sessions and workshops are also underway.
Until then, guests can enjoy their coffee and cake amidst the warm embrace of classic vinyl records. As Ragu observes, “Vinyls offer a richer sound that prevents listening fatigue.” He recalls a recent moment when a customer, absorbed in his work, spontaneously sang along with the music, embodying the cafe’s ethos of blending coffee, music, and community.
Vinyl & Brew is located at 135 TTK Road, with a meal for two priced around ₹1,000.