Sydney is sparkling under the sunshine today with exciting news for locals and visitors alike: Applejack Hospitality has officially taken the reins at Opera Bar, one of the city’s most beloved harbourside destinations.
The much-anticipated handover kicks off a 10-year partnership with the Sydney Opera House precinct, bringing Applejack’s signature mix of energy, creativity, and community spirit to two of the harbour’s most recognisable venues — Opera Bar (from today, 25 September 2025) and House Canteen (from Thursday 2 October).
A Fresh Chapter for an Iconic Venue
Applejack is no stranger to shaking up Sydney’s dining scene, with celebrated venues like The Butler, RAFI, Forrester’s, and Bopp & Tone under its belt. Now, Opera Bar joins the family, with a new menu, refreshed music program, and subtle design touches designed to elevate the harbourside experience without losing the magic that makes it such a bucket-list spot.
Co-founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll say this is more than just a hospitality handover:
“We’re honoured to be custodians of the Lower Concourse venues and can’t wait for guests to experience the passion and care we’re bringing to Opera Bar and House Canteen.”
The Menu: Locally Driven, Seriously Delicious
Led by Applejack Culinary Director Patrick Friesen, Opera Bar’s new menu puts NSW producers centre stage. Think:
- An antipasto platter featuring Pino’s mortadella (Kogarah), La Stella mozzarella (Auburn), and Westmont pickles (Thirlmere).
- Tiger prawn cocktails with a hot sauce collab from The Fermentalists.
- Grilled swordfish with saffron aioli and roasted tomatoes.
- A signature cheeseburger served with Westmont dill pickles and fries.
And let’s not forget the new pizza program — long-fermented dough made with sustainably grown wheat from the Tamworth wheat belt, topped with as-local-as-possible produce.
House Canteen, opening under Applejack next week, will follow suit with a refreshed menu blending breakfast classics with Pan-Asian flavours — from coconut chicken curry to grass-fed beef brisket rendang.
Music, Culture & Community
Applejack has partnered with Arts-Matter to curate a live music program running seven nights a week. Expect everything from relaxed acoustic sets in the afternoon to DJ-led vibes as the sun dips behind the Opera House sails — a cultural extension of the performances happening just steps away.
Seasonal activations and major cultural collaborations are also on the cards, ensuring Opera Bar is more than just a place for a sundowner, but a living, breathing part of Sydney’s cultural heartbeat.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning. In 2026, House Canteen will undergo a full rebrand, followed by a major Opera Bar refurbishment. Expect fresh designs, local fashion collabs (yes, Volley sneakers are now part of the staff uniforms), and expanded Tour & Dine packages to entice both Sydney-siders and visitors.
For now, Opera Bar is officially open under its new guardianship — and with the weather warming up, there’s no better time to claim your spot by the harbour, cocktail in hand, and toast to a new chapter for Sydney’s most iconic bar.
Opera Bar: Now open daily from 11am – late
House Canteen: Opening Thursday 2 October, 7:30am – late
operabar.com.au | @operabarsydney
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