Mel and Matt Leahy take over Yass’s eclectic Yazz Bar. Photo: Supplied.
Mel and Matt Leahy spent years sneaking off to Yass’s eclectic wine bar, Yazz Bar, for a cheeky tipple while their kids were at school discos.
So when the opportunity came up in late 2024 to buy the beloved venue that was once voted by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine as one of the top 50 wine experiences in the world, they jumped at it.
After months of paperwork to finalise the sale, Mel and Matt have hosted their launch night and have seemingly boundless enthusiasm for the new project.
“I feel so proud since we have taken over, of what the venue is, and what we can grow it to be,” Mel said.
“We love the quirky, eclectic, gorgeous feel of what it is. It’s got all of the bones to be something truly fabulous.”
Yazz Bar has a quirky little courtyard garden. Photo: Supplied.
Already well known in Yass as owners of the local coffee shop Kaffeine, taking on a second venue will be a transition for Mel, who has given up her job at the local school to get hands-on with the running of the bar.
“Matt is the face of Kaffeine and I’ve always been behind the scenes doing work like payroll and merchandising, and I’m excited to be able to put my touch on Yazz Bar.”
For the Yazz Bar clientele, the transition from the landlords and original founders of Yazz Bar, Penny Carlisle and Harvey Walsh, to Mel and Matt has been seamless, just as it was with the previous operator, Deb Hamilton. Mel said that these transitions were driven by Penny and Harvey’s desire to keep the doors open until a new owner was found.
“We had one week from taking over to opening, which let us do a quick refresh and mods to the menu. I’ve added my own little touches with some lamps and floral installations just to put our own little stamp on it,” Mel said.
The ideas for their new business don’t stop at decor, and Mel and Matt both have a few more personal stamps for Yazz Bar planned.
“Matt wants to grow the menu by introducing specials to see what sells. We are doing the same with wine. We are featuring a winery of the month and offering wine flights so I can open up people to different wines in the region and to build a wine list from what people want to drink,” Mel said.
Mel’s plans also include keeping up the music scene that Yazz Bar has built its name on since it opened in 2013, but she wants to expand into events with bottomless brunches and high teas, while always keeping the focus on supporting businesses in the region.
“We source our coffee at Kaffeine from Art of Espresso in Young and Adrian, who is the coffee maker there; his daughter Sienna is making a cocktail range of teas, and I want to feature those at bottomless brunch.”
Yazz Bar, once voted as one of the top 50 wine experiences in the world by Gourmet Traveller Wine. Photo: Supplied.
With strong support from Yass locals, Mel and Matt would love to see their events and wine offerings also appeal to Canberrans and feel their regional wine list is a way for people to experience the best of the region’s wines without having to take a long road trip.
“You can sample a whole region here without having to drive around all the wineries,” Mel said.
While bubbling with ideas, Mel continually referenced what the bar already was and said that would stay as her primary inspiration.
“It’s the eclectic nature, the fact that it’s personal, that goes a long way. It’s a beautiful atmosphere; it’s cosy, warm and inviting. It’s a place where you could be anyone, no matter your status and be comfortable,” Mel said.
Yazz Bar is open Thursday to Saturday from noon until late. You can keep up with all that is happening through its Facebook page.
