Is Bar Yuki the coolest bar on the South Coast? All signs point to yes
Elizabeth McDonald - Delicious / Oct 11, 2023
Milton just got a little bit groovier.
The South Coast scene has been bubbling away for some time now, with its natural beauty, abundance of fresh produce from both land and sea, and a somewhat less grinding pace of life. So it’s clear to see what the appeal was for Bar Yuki founders, Kurt and Ash Bailey.
The wife/husband duo have fused their love of music, great hospitality and travels through Japan to bring to life their technicoloured, 70s-style listening bar in the tiny town of Milton, three scenic hours from Sydney.
Opening just in time for the weather to start warming up, Bar Yuki is a very personal expression for the couple. For Ash, opening Bar Yuki meant returning to her hometown, bringing a wealth of knowledge with her, and for Kurt – a Tamworth transplant – it’s a natural progression after years globetrotting, drinking and snacking with Ash.
The Japanese-style menu starts firmly planted in the snack and drink, then snack again category, with sinus-clearing wasabi peas, sharp and sweet pickled cucumbers doused in sesame goma dressing, and of course some steaming and salty edamame beans. More substantial numbers like pork katsu sandwiches, vegetable tempura and market sashimi lend Bar Yuki a chameleon-like quality where a full dining experience works just as well as a session on the beers.
Speaking of beers, a glance at the Bar Yuki drinks list and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d landed in Enmore, with familiar faces like The Grifter, Heaps Normal, and OK! Seltzer all making an appearance. Wines are exclusively natural and hail from as close as the Hunter Valley to as far as South Africa.
Bespoke wood panelling houses countless vinyl and groovy decor of sunburst orange bubble tvs, vintage amps, and the smiling face of Wilson Pickett, while seating ranges from mid century-modern to pieces that wouldn’t be amiss on the set of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Honestly, the whole place just oozes cool-big-sister vibes.
It may be a new kid on the block but we can see Bar Yuki making fast friends with the locals and great hosts to weekend interlopers – which we’re making a point of becoming.
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