Sydney's CBD is a vibrant urban space, even after dark, and with the formation of new precinct YCK Laneways on York, Clarence and Kent Streets, now's the time to explore the city's thriving nightlife.

Destination NSW talks to Karl Schlothauer, president of the Independent Bars Association about the best places to eat, drink and experience a night out in Sydney.

Apart from my own venue Stitch Bar (I may be a little biased!), I really like the genuine hospitality at Maybe Sammy, the sense of adventure trying to locate Door Knock, the unbelievable steaks and service at The Gidley, and you can't go past the food at Restaurant Hubert and INDU. 

Photo: Stitch Bar, Sydney.

Where in the CBD do you take visiting friends for a quintessential Sydney experience?

Sydney has a great bar scene that is tucked away and hidden all throughout the CBD between York, Clarence and Kent Streets. Whether it be the countless hidden basement bars, listening to live music in the courtyard at SILY, or getting your haircut at the barbershop before ducking out the back for a quick gin – there's a real sense of adventure exploring what this laneway precinct has to offer. 

Maybe Sammy Bar, Sydney. Photo: Time Out and Cassandra Hannagan

What do you love about the Sydney CBD food and beverage scene?
For me, there's so much to rediscover in the CBD. I love how smaller independent venues are now popping up all over the city and really delivering unique and bespoke offerings and the passion that exists behind that. It's great to take one thing and really focus on delivering that and not trying to do everything to please everyone. Places like Cantina OK! and how they specialise in mezcal, or the steaks at Bistecca which are cooked to perfection.

More recently it was the YCK Laneway block party which saw 15 bars collaborate to put on a six- week festival embracing different cultural experiences, and utilising previously unused public spaces to bring live music back into the city. Fast forward a few weeks and the latest cultural experience to be reimagined will be YCK's newest instalment, Night Over Light, taking place between June 8 – June 20 as part of Sydney Solstice. 

     Since I left You SILY, Sydney Solstice 2021. Photo: Time out and Cassandra Hannagan

Safe to say this precinct has some very exciting opportunities ahead of it and it's incredibly rewarding to see small businesses working together embracing all things Sydney and putting the guest experience at the forefront.

Come on down

So there you have it, one of Sydney's newest attractions. Even if you're a seasoned visitor to Australia's largest city, you'll be amazed at the changes. Come as soon as you can.

Useful links

​ycklaneways.com.au