Ravesi's is Undergoing a Huge Art Deco Transformation

Once a humming live-music venue, today Ravesi’s is more like a sports bar.

Aya Larkin, frontman of the now-reformed Aussie alt-funk band Skunk Hour, recently acquired the eastern-suburbs institution, and will revive all four of its floors.

“We want to resurrect some of the Art Deco glory of what was a previously iconic venue,” Larkin says. “It was good in its heyday, but it’s been many years since it’s seen that kind of love.”

He’s inspired by the beachside playgrounds of Miami and Cuba. The ground-floor terrace that wraps from Campbell Parade around to Hall Street will be the star. The late ’90s interior will be replaced with a lighter colour palate (citruses and pale pinks). Original features, such as the arched doorways, will remain.

The hotel rooms will also be restored. Pale blue and chartreuse gold will replace the current dark colours. Four of the 12 rooms will be ready for guests in October.

A solid live-music roster will be offered, too. Upstairs, a lounge, cocktail bar and dance floor will stay open until 1am. Daimon Downey (ex-Sneaky Sound System) will curate the art in the hotel rooms upstairs.

Ex-Catalina chef Peter Streckfuss has been hired as the new head chef. He’ll serve unfussy, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. A partnership with Pommery will provide an arsenal of champagnes. Cocktails will be classics with a twist, such as French Martinis and a Clover Club.

Ravesi’s is slated to open in October.