There’s a big difference between what you want from your regular haunt and what one would expect from a special occasion venue. The latter should be a showstopper, leaving your wallet empty and your heart full, and delivering a little ceremony to your evening out. It’s lovely – but it’s also a sometimes food.
Your regular is another beast entirely. It should be cosy and comfy and ideally always about three quarters full. When it’s a hot night you want to be able to take a stool out into the laneway and drink your local craft brew from Lord Nelson, 4 Pines, Dad and Dave’s, and the Balmain Brewing Co alfresco; and when it’s a bit nippy you want to perch inside with a Jenga stack of polenta chips and a plush Espresso Martini made with Café Patron XO, vodka and fresh coffee from Bill’s Beans out in Orange.
Now you might expect this bar to be hiding in the suburbs, what with its neighbourhood vibe and simple pleasures approach, but it’s actually in a dimly lit alley behind Wynyard Station. York Lane has been cranking out crowd-pleasing drinks in their pocket-sized venue for a little while now, and they’ve earned themselves a devoted fan-base from inner-city workers looking for a spot to lay claim to. They even make all your favourite fun-time snacks. There’s nachos, cheesy garlic bread, a cheese board – cheese is pretty much on most of it.
York Lane isn’t trying to challenge your palate – they appreciate the steady appeal of coffee cocktails, a Negroni, and vodka with lime and/or cranberry juice. This is where you go for the things you already know and like. Think of it like the night-time equivalent of the place you go every morning for coffee.
We like York Lane for its steadfastness – it’s always there for you when you need a pick-me-up, a casual first date spot or a low-key after-work debrief and they never take your favourites off the menu.