Ines Wine Bar
This Venetian-inspired cocktail pair is perfectly poised for after work drinks and nibbles, or a nightcap and midnight snacks.
Overview
Like many Chapel Street spots, INES has evolved over time to meet its patrons' needs. Recognising that many customers were no longer seeking heavy, multi-course meals, the team have reimagined INES as a Venetian-inspired cocktail and wine bar; an intimate and welcoming aperitivo-led spot perfectly poised for after-work nibbles and drinks, or late-night drinking and snacking.
While the offering may have been adapted, the venue's warm, distinctly European character and charm remain the same. Dim lighting, walnut joinery, a marble bar, and brass finishes create a romantic, intimate space that works just as well for first dates, catch-ups with mates, or a solo drink when you want a moment of peace.
"INES is really special to me. It is named after my 102-year-old Venetian Nonna, so the heart of the venue is not changing. But Chapel Street is changing, and venues need to change with it. We want INES to give people another reason to come to Chapel Street for a great cocktail, a glass of wine and a night out," says Valarc Group founder Matteo Bruno.
Valarc Group's stable of hospo venues across Melbourne includes neighbourhood favourites such as Middle Park European, Tartine Bistro, Ned's Bake & Bistro, and recently opened, buzzy The Florence in the heart of Flinders Lane. INES' reimagining is a bold statement from the group, signalling confidence in Chapel Street's ever-evolving scene.
A tight selection of Italian-leaning share plates and snacks, made for grazing between rounds of drinks, includes fried olives and salami, beef and bechamel croquettes, and straciatella with persimmon. There's always the option for something more substantial if you're planning on making a night of it, such as gnocchi with mushroom sauce or a slice of lasagne, and the crowd-favourite $35 steak night lives on, too.
The drinks program, in the hands of the team behind The Florence and Middle Park European, is anchored by Venetian-style cocktails, Italian wines and spritzes. A daily happy hour, from 3-6pm, offers $10 wines, $8 beers, and $14 margaritas. It's hard to say no to that. And if you've made it through happy hour and a good stint at the wine bar, you'll be primed for a couple more rounds at sister bar, Sistine, just upstairs, where DJs and more cocktails keep the night going a little longer.
Images: Supplied.
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