Opera Bar changes hands as Applejack wins 10-year Sydney Opera House deal
A new chapter in the life of Sydney’s much-loved Opera Bar is set to be written, with Applejack Hospitality set to take the reins after 24 years under Solotel and Matt Moran.
The Sydney Opera House confirmed today that both Opera Bar and neighbouring House Canteen will be run by Applejack for the next decade, following what was described as a hotly contested tender that began in September 2024.
The group, founded by Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts, is behind venues like CBD favourite Bopp & Tone and North Sydney’s RAFI at UrbnSurf.
In announcing the win, the Opera House said Applejack’s vision “showcased Sydney’s cultural food scene” for Opera Bar and a “relaxed all-day café” for House Canteen, offering “exceptional value for the Opera House.”
Carroll and Watts called it “a dream come true for our entire team.” They added: “To be entrusted as custodians of venues at the Sydney Opera House – the world’s most iconic cultural stage – is both humbling and inspiring.”
Applejack is expected to start operating the venues before summer. Once the busy season wraps, refurbishments are on the cards.
Industry chatter suggests The Boathouse Group, Merivale and Laundy Hotels were also in the running for what’s considered one of Sydney’s most enviable hospitality gigs.
Jonathan Jackson, 13th August 2025
