Sydney CBD’s nightlife is getting a much-needed boost during April and May via the YCK Laneways Block Party. There’s a program of 75 cultural events across 15 venues on offer and Drinks Digest was lucky enough to get a taste of its magic last night.

The newly established YCK precinct, which spans across York, Clarence, and Kent Streets (YCK), is hosting a collaboration between the city’s acclaimed small bars from April 7 – May 22, with the aim of inspiring Sydneysiders to rediscover the city and inject some much-needed life back into the once thriving CBD.

The YCK precinct has turned its venues and streets into event spaces celebrating culture and good times thanks to the support of organisations including City of Sydney, American Express, Time Out and Bacardi Martini Australia.

National Advocacy Manager for Bacardi Martini Australia, Georgina Mann said: “The bar owners and staff are our extended family and it’s been a rough year for a lot of people. We’re trying to support however we can to get people back into venues. To steal from our Global Advocacy Director, Jacob Briars, we lead with the mentality of: ‘we sell cocktails not cases’ and YCK aligns perfectly with this.”

All the bars within the YCK precinct have created bespoke and unique Bombay Sapphire or Patrón Tequila cocktails for guest to enjoy across the six-week program of cultural events and activities.

Some of the small bars are receiving broader support from Bacardi Martini Australia to put on entertainment offerings during the six weeks in the hope of driving foot traffic to the precinct.

Drinks Digest visited three venues: The Barber Shop, Stitch Bar and The Lobo and the mood, food and drinks were all outstanding.

We started with wheelie bin graffiti art at the Barber Shop, which will take place for the public on May 1 (10am -2pm). Then it was on to Stitch Bar for a ‘South of the Border’ Mexican themed dinner, drinks and entertainment – the next night is May 5 and tickets still available. Lobo Plantation had killer cocktails and great Cuban music.

We sampled delicious tequila and gin cocktails, with our favourite being a Pear Spritz at The Barber Shop – Bombay Sapphire, pear syrup, mint, sparkling wine and Montenegro.

It was great to see the YCK district and its wonderful small bars filled with happy people enjoying the nightlife.

President of the Independent Bars Association and CEO of House Pocket Karl Schlothauer (below) said “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see small hospitality operators come together and create big things in celebration of the arts and culture, particularly in the midst of a global pandemic”.

“Through this collaboration, YCK seeks to establish its own precinct that celebrates Sydney’s small bar scene, much like the districts and quarters found in international capital cities of the world.”

For more information about YCK Laneway Block Party and to see the full program of events visit www.ycklaneways.com.au

Participating venues

Since I Left You, 338 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000

Papa Gede’s, 348 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000

The Lobo, Basement, 1/209 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Spawn Point, Basement, 199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

The Barber Shop, 89 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

The Duke of Clarence, Laneway, 152-156 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Stitch Bar, 61 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

Uncle Mings, Basement, 29 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

Prince of York, 18 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

Grandma’s Bar, Basement, 275 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

Sammy Junior, 66 King St, Sydney NSW 2000

Swinging Cat, 44 King St, Sydney NSW 2000

Burrow Bar, Basement/96 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000

The Rook, Level 7/56-58 York St, Sydney NSW 2000

Esteban, 1 Temperance Ln, Sydney NSW 2000