Ravesi's Hotel Introduces a Sleek New Wine Bar to Bondi Beach

Level One transforms above Ravesi's relaxed beachside bar, to luxury cocktail lounge Drift, with the new additions - a stunning Italian-style wine bar with a beachside twist, and striking modern Australian restaurant; taking Ravesi's to the next level of elegant dining and sophisticated hospitality in Bondi.

In announcing plans for the wine bar and new-look restaurant, Ravesi's Hotel General Manager Troy Graham said "The wine bar and Level One transformation is an exciting new phase for Ravesi’s Hotel."

"With the wine bar we have created the perfect middle ground between Drift and the postcard views from our beach-front restaurant. Each space has its own distinctive look and feel, created by SJB Interiors, while ensuring a seamless flow of complimentary accents in all three areas. With a strong nod to Italy’s best wine bars, our new wine offering pulls on Ravesi’s Italian heritage, giving it fresh modern-casual appeal that sits with our coastal location."

"The simple elegance of the design completes our vision for Ravesi's Level One to be the ideal place for locals and guests to relax and unwind," he said.

From the main beachside bar, guests enter Ravesi's wine bar by taking the stairs or elevator to Level One. On arrival guests are greeted by Bondi Beach's striking panorama and the warm tones and textures of the wine bar.

Designed by SJB Interiors; whose credits run like an A-List of the city's hippest bars such as The Eastern, The Columbian, Hugo’s Pizza and Hugo's Sky Bar, Will & Toby's, Soho Bar and the rooms of Establishment Hotel, the new wine bar has evolved from a rethinking of the classic Italian wine bar with a nautical and beachy flavour.

Rich dark hues of natural textures and fibres such as timber, fine leather and stone typical of European wine bars will complement the more modern inclusions of brass, black steel and mirrors. Dark timber flooring throughout, matched with charcoal walls and Ravesi's iconic white timber arches mediate a rich, moody vibrancy perfectly suited to Ravesi’s iconic comfort and friendliness.

A feel once reserved for the hidden bars of Melbourne or even the narrow city streets of London, guests are welcomed by an eclectic mix of plush leather banquettes; chocolate brown wicker lounges with charcoal linen cushions; black stained American oak stools and classic thonet bistro seats. Walnut stained tables with weathered brass frames and custom-made Italian mosaic tiles make for the perfect place to rest a glass of vintage tipple.

The bar itself pays homage to a classic age in striking chunky travertine stone, whilst a wall of solid timber and aged brass shelves house a studied and thoughtful wine selection to suit even the fussiest wine connoisseur. In the evening, timber wall lamps bathe the room with an intimate glow, and concealed strip lighting illuminates the rows of wine bottles to make them a feature of the space.

The newly revamped restaurant is casually divided by open chevron patterned partisan screens of black timber and steel, carrying the distinctively intimate style throughout. Behind the impressive wine bar frontage, Ravesi's kitchen caters to upholstered leather suites where guests are invited to dine on delicious seasonal tapas created by Ravesi’s executive chef Darren Elms.

The perfect space for all occasions, from an intimate wine and dine experience to a group night out; Ravesi’s attention to every detail compliments the high standard they’re looking to set at the premium end of Sydney’s hospitality market. Ravesi's wine bar and refurbished Level One is open for guests from October 2009.