CONTE Sydney appoints iD Collective
CONTE Sydney, an ambitious multi-level, multi-purpose drinks and dining destination has appointed iD Collective to handle PR, social media and wider communications as it prepares to open on Tuesday Wednesday 2 April 2025.
A superbly designed concept brought to life by passionate Italian and famed negroni-enthusiast, Raffaelle Lombardi and his venue and life partner, respected interior designer Victoria Hampshire, of Victoria Hampshire Design, CONTE Sydney is the older sibling of the ultra-popular, Bar Conte in Surry Hills, feted as the world’s first fully dedicated negroni bar, launching in 2021 to bring the spirit, culture and cuisine of the Italian aperitivo to Sydney. While the inner-city bar opened with a 40+ negroni menu – with premium variations including infused combinations such as rhubarb, beetroot, mezcal, Barollo chinato, very rare Italian amari and vermouth – the surprisingly succinct menu of Italian snacks and share plates, designed for sharing over a cocktail, rapidly turned the corner bar into a must-visit dining sensation – popular with all foodies and negroni-lovers alike.
The desire for growth and a place where their story could evolve lead Lombardi and Hampshire to Clarence St with the intricate build beginning in late 2024. CONTE Sydney’s sophisticated, European but contemporary drinks and dining space has been a long-held ambition of Lombardi and Hampshire and after meticulously supervising every step of the design and construction, the duo couldn’t be more excited to open. Says Lombardi, “I have dreamt of this concept for the past 10 years. The negroni is of course my drink of choice and has been since I was a young man growing up in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast. It’s the ultimate pre-dinner drink and pastime but there has always been more to Bar Conte in us. The venue’s popularity has completely blown us away so the time felt right for a larger, ‘grown-up’ offering realising the dream of a chic and contemporary dining and drinks space that we know Sydneysiders will want to visit as much as we do!”
Head chef and venue-partner, Steven De Vecchi, has been working for months on the menu, secretly sneaking test dishes into Bar Conte to gauge diners’ reactions, and is thrilled to offer a well-rounded, extensive fine-dining option that is set to wow – all prepared in the meticulously designed green-tiled open-kitchen.
There are varying atmospheres within the space, which is one of dramatic proportions, with its 9-metre-high ceiling and floor to ceiling glass highlights. This venue see’s the bar as the backdrop, giving it precedence by locating it in front of the staircase. Guests can choose the restaurant dining area, banquette seating, bar pods for small groups, bar stools that allow you a closer experience with the bartenders, mezzanine cocktail lounge seating, and private dining spaces, one of which is the ‘Negroni Room’
Diners can expect an a-la-carte menu, including dishes such as Gambero Rosso tar tar; Red prawn, pickle halapeno, salmon roe, bottarga; Lobster risotto, acquerello rice, lobster bisque reduction, chives
Anatra; Duck breast with beetroot puree and crispy cabbage and Merluzzo, blue eye cod, fennel puree, baby carrots in a beurre blanch.
In addition to the extensive 40+ choice negroni list, Conte Sydney will have the largest collection of Italian Vermouth, Amari (digestives), and Italian Gin ever seen in one venue. The team will introduce both a Negroni and Martini food pairing experience, presented by Enzo Tana and have the same intentions with an extensive beer list featuring Trappist and Artisan beers, also with a food pairing. The Beer list is carefully selected by Lombardi, whose palate is extensive. The Wine list is presented by Sommelier Marta Carruccio (Chef, Steven De Vecchi’s wife – ex-Bistro REX) with the full reveal to come.
CONTE Sydney’s exclusive imports will include the world-famous Vulcanica Vodka, made from rare ancient grains from Mount Etna in Sicily; De Faveri Spumanti, one of the best Prosecco’s in Italy and Marisa Cuomo Costa D’Amalfi wine. Marisa Cuomo is based in the world-famous town of Furore just above Amalfi, her distinguished wine is considered one of the best in Italy and very exclusive, even for locals.
CONTE will offer specialised event services with bookings being taken now via Bar Conte Surry Hills. CONTE SYDNEY also promises late night dining, an essential element of Italian Life.
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