The Lab Kitchen Residency Program

The Lab is a rotating three-month kitchen residency program based in the heart of YCK Laneways at 414 Kent Street, Sydney.

Each residency, we invite up-and-coming chefs and food creatives to take over the kitchen and bring their unique concepts to life. It’s ever-changing, always exciting.

The venue features two distinct spaces. Out the back is Button Bar, a cosy cocktail bar with an intimate vibe. At the front – your space – you’ll have access to a small kitchen, street-facing service access, and a compact dining area.

This is a three-month pop-up residency, offering a great window to test your concept: long enough to gain traction and gather feedback, but not so long that you’re locked in if things don’t go as planned.

What we’ll provide

• ~40 sqm space with DA-approved hours (7am–2am, Mon–Sun)

• Small Bar Licence (10am–2am, daily)

• Kitchen equipment, full-time staff, and all operational essentials (POS, merchant facilities, booking systems, delivery platforms)

• Option for a complementary cocktail menu to be provided

• Equipment maintenance and marketing support

• Connection to the YCK Laneways community

What we’ll need from you

• A police check – just so we know who we’re working with

• $20M Public Liability Insurance

• A fair contribution, worked out pro-rata based on floor space

• A signed agreement

• Your own accounts set up with wholesalers

• Following our Plan of Management and compliance systems

• Current RSA, Food Handler, and any other relevant certifications

• Compliance with food safety, OH&S, liquor regulations, and other relevant regulatory requirements

Apply for a residency via our website.