Applejack to Take Over Sydney’s Iconic Opera Bar
After almost a quarter of a century, a major chapter in Sydney’s hospitality story is closing. Celebrity chef Matt Moran and the hospitality group Solotel are stepping away from Opera Bar, the world-famous harbourside venue beneath the Sydney Opera House. This announcement follows a fiercely contested tender process, with the prized contract now awarded to Applejack Hospitality.
Opera Bar has long been considered one of the “golden geese” of Sydney’s dining scene — thanks to its unbeatable location and strong commercial pull. When Moran and Solotel first took over at the turn of the millennium, the venue was seen as underused. Over the years, they transformed it into a destination on every tourist’s checklist and a go-to spot for locals wanting to soak in Sydney Harbour at its finest.
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Now, the torch is being passed to Applejack, a group best known for venues such as Bopp & Tone, The Butler, and RAFI. They’ll not only take the reins of Opera Bar but also the neighbouring House Canteen, with a 10-year contract for both. This marks a huge moment for the company, which began in 2011 and last year strengthened its reach through a partnership with the Australian branch of global food giant Compass Group. Applejack co-founders Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts have called the win a “dream come true” and said it’s an honour to be custodians of such iconic spaces. They promise fresh concepts that will welcome both Sydneysiders and international visitors while respecting the venue’s rich history.
For Moran and Solotel, the end of this era comes with pride. In their farewell statement, they reflected on their original vision — to make the Opera House more approachable, to create a lively and inclusive space, and to celebrate the harbour and its people. They credit their team and loyal guests for helping shape a venue loved around the world, and they’ve extended their best wishes to Applejack for the future.
The changeover will happen in two stages: Opera Bar will transition to Applejack in mid-September, followed by House Canteen in mid-November. This timing gives the new operators a chance to settle in before the busy summer season. A refurbishment of both venues is planned for 2026, hinting at fresh designs and experiences ahead.
It’s worth noting that the Opera Bar tender process has seen drama before. Back in 2014, a closely fought race led to a legal battle involving other contenders, accusations of leaked plans, and years of mediation. That dispute was only settled last year, with the details kept confidential.
Now, with Applejack stepping in, a new era is set to begin for Sydney’s most recognisable waterfront bar — and the city waits to see how they’ll shape the next chapter of this beloved institution.
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