Overview
Businesses on three of Sydney's busiest streets are officially teaming up to declare themselves the city's newest must-visit spot. Meet YCK Laneways, a dining and cultural precinct that encompasses the CBD laneways in York Street, Clarence Street and Kent Street — and has ten bars throwing a big party to celebrate.
The precinct is the work of local business owners, with the help of the City of Sydney's CBD activation grants program. "It's our hope that YCK becomes as much a part of the Sydney vernacular as The Rocks, or Chinatown," Nick White, Director of Kent Street bar Since I Left You tells Concrete Playground.
White says that in the ten years Since I Left You has been open, he's seen the area blossom. "We've watched as a definite little precinct has developed organically, and now you've got something like 18 small bars in the area around York, Clarence, and Kent streets," he explains. "I think the reason there has been such a proliferation of small bars in the area is that it's one of the few parts of the city that retains a lot of its heritage in the building and streets," he continues.
To kick things off — and to remind Sydneysiders about all the beloved venues that span these three streets — Since I Left You and nine other bars are throwing a massive six-week party. Running between Wednesday, April 7–Sunday, May 22, the YCK Laneways Block Party will feature 75 cultural events including dance, theatre, live music and interactive art across the ten beloved spots bars. The ten venues involved: Since I left You, Papa Gede's, The Lobo, Spawn Point, The Barber Shop, The Duke of Clarence, Stitch Bar, Uncle Ming's, Prince of York and Grandma's Bar.
Prince of York by Mitchell Ferris
With both free and ticket events taking place, the cultural offerings stretch from antipasto burlesque at the Prince of York and poetry readings in the Since I Left You courtyard to wheelie bin art at The Barber Shop and playing Dungeons & Dragons at Spawn Point. Regular CBD favourite events like Brunch With... will also be wrapped up in the festivities, while a whole heap of live music and dance parties will take place across the three streets following the recent rolling back of restrictions to allow dance floors in New South Wales.
More events are set to be announced in the lead up to the block party, including a standalone outdoor live music event. You can browse the full program and stay up-to-date on everything happening in the YCK precinct via the YCK Laneways website.
YCK Laneways Block Party will take place across the YCK Laneways precinct on York Street, Clarence Street and Kent Street, Sydney between Wednesday, April 7 and Sunday, May 22.