New A-list Playground Opening on Sydney’s Bondi Beach

Sydney’s hottest new bar sets a benchmark for Bondi

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. October 14, 2008

SYDNEY, Australia, November 5, 2007. An exclusive new cocktail lounge will open at Bondi Beach's iconic Ravesi's corner in late November this year - 2007. Named "Drift", the bar presents an important addition to the premium end of Sydney's hospitality offerings and will provide a new high-end home for Bondi's A-List locals and Sydneysiders looking for their next luxury experience.

Located on Australia's most famous and happening stretch of sand, Drift boasts the most incredible beachside views, combining Bondi's casual friendliness with elegant comfortable surrounds and coastal luxury. The lounge bar marks the latest commitment by Ravesi's General Manager Troy Graham to the reinvigoration of this stunning and unique heritage location.

In announcing plans for the opening, Troy said: "Bondi has been crying out for an exceptional and private space for our numerous celebrity and high-profile locals to relax; a home away from home if you like. Drift will deliver on what this market needs. With our uncompromising service, contemporary cuisine focussed on Australia's premium produce and world class cocktail, wine and spirit experience; set against one of this country's most breathtaking backdrops; we are proud to offer Drift to Bondi."

"We believe that Drift's opening will take Bondi's bar life to the next level, completing our vision for Ravesi's to be the ideal place for locals and guests to relax, unwind and soak up Sydney's most incredible sun-drenched surrounds. The simple elegance of the design and attention to every detail of Drift's development takes contemporary luxury to new heights in Bondi; and strengthens the allure of Ravesi's 12 designer rooms, stunning restaurant and hip beachside bar," he said.

From the gentlest of pacific breezes floating in through the sweeping arches of the heritage edifice; to the postcard views of the deep blue to aqua waters and white sands of Bondi beach; Drift captures the natural, timeless beauty and simple pleasures of Sydney's coastal life.

From the main beachside bar, guests will enter Ravesi's newly refurbished reception area on the ground level; and reach Ravesi's first floor by elevator or stairs. When guests ascend they will be greeted by Bondi Beach's sweeping panorama across Ravesi's 90 seater restaurant and to the left Drift's luxurious interiors will immediately impress.

Specially designed by Sydney's hottest hotel design team, SJB Interiors; whose credits run like an A-List of the city's hippest bars such as The Eastern, The Bourbon, The Columbian, Hugo's Pizza and Hugo's Sky Bar, Will & Toby's, Soho Bar and the rooms of Establishment Hotel, Drift was conceived with the highest standards of luxury and international sophistication in mind.

Inspired by the work of renowned French designer Christian Liaigre, who upholds the principles of understatement, simplicity and comfort with the proposal of "finding one's own place"; combined with the minimalistic-chic and nautical flavour of Giorgio Armani's luxury yacht the 'Mariu'; Drift is in a league of its own.

Glosses and matts in monochromatic black and white are offset with the rich caramel browns and tans of natural textures such as timber, fine leathers and stone. Like a luxury beach house, Drift offers supreme comfort with white leather and brushed cotton daybeds; rich upholstered ottomans; glazed brilliant-white champagne cork stools and Italian-made bamboo and pale linen covered chairs.

Travertine stone - reportedly the world's oldest building block - creates a stand-out double-sided fireplace and striking bar that looks more like a huge stone table. In the evening, bronze wall mounted lamps bathe Drift in the warm and natural glow of soft yellow candle light; whilst the huge bleached coral chandelier, central to the space, speaks of sea-side romance.

The perfect place to host your friends, plush mirrored banquettes seat 16 or can be separated for groups of eight to book for private use; whilst Drift's exclusive VIP room has been purposefully created for the most shimmering celebrity party of around 15 guests.

Drift's birds-eye views take center stage. The stunning sun-deck which hugs the entire length of Ravesi's heritage facade, forms the perfect party space. A summer lovers' delight, the deck is floored in poolside pebbles with striped upholstered day beds for soaking up the sun, and warmer wicker lighting for glamorous nautical nights.

Under the creative direction of Kass Hill, one of Sydney's finest mixologists Drift's cocktails will feature local favourites such as 'Bondi Bella' a flirty cocktail of southern gin, campari, peach liquor, fresh peach and ruby red and peach bitters; with chic global and fresh new contemporary Australian creations to entice guests. Pure Royale; with belvedere pure, elderflower, fresh mint and cucumber, with a dash of champagne; and Bondi's Dark and Stormy Night with 10 Cane Rum, ginger liquor, fresh pressed and sparkling ginger, and homemade vanilla bitters; also feature on the exciting new list.

An exceptional dining experience also awaits Drift's guests. A tantalising

'tapas-style' menu developed by Ravesi's executive chef, Darren Elmes, blends an exciting mix of Australasian flavours with influences from Latin America and the Mediterranean.

Dishes such as grilled flat breads with an assortment of exciting toppings including cured salmon confit with buffalo mozzarella, and basil and Italian cured meats with provolone piccante; will sit side by side with local seafood favourites, utilising the freshest of Australian produce. These will include a choice of mixed seasonal oysters available '6 ways'; such as natural with chardonnay vinegar and trout caviar, or with seared tuna and citrus.

The menu also features a "raw spoon bar": a selection of delicious spoons such as Wagyu carpaccio with abalone and sea urchin kina; Hiramasa Kingfish with citrus, soy and olive; and Sumac seared blue fin tuna with salsa al fresco. Skewers of fresh scallop with aioli; spiced barramundi with lemon gremolata; and Wagyu with chummi- churri will also delight. For groups, platters such as the Mediterranean platter, with a selection of chilled seafood, condiments and dips; the antipasto plate of cured meats, cheese and roasted vegetables; and the cheese plate with glazed fruit and crackers; are expected to be popular.

Ravesi's attention to every detail of the experience Drift will offer; compliments the high standard that the hotel's team is looking to set at the premium end of Sydney's hospitality market. Drift will open for guests from Friday 30 November, 2007.

Enquiries and private booking can be made with Eleanor Cobern

E: [email protected] P: 02 9365 4422

More information can be found at www.ravesis.com.au.