Applejack has officially opened Opera Bar at the Sydney Opera House, and will open House Canteen next Thursday, 8 October to begin its 10-year stewardship of the iconic venues.
Just six weeks after winning the contract to run the venues Applejack has already brought its touches to Opera Bar and House Canteen with locally driven menus, a refreshed music program, and operational upgrades designed to elevate the visitor experience.
Applejack Co-founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll say the team is excited to welcome guests:
“This week marks a huge milestone for our team,” the pair said. “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.
“We have an incredible team who seamlessly executed a quick turnaround, and we look forward to bringing you on the journey as we reimagine what’s possible here.”
The Opera Bar menu highlights local ingredients, including an antipasto platter featuring Pino’s mortadella from Kogarah, La Stella mozzarella from Auburn and Westmont pickles from Thirlmere. Other dishes include tiger prawn cocktails paired with a house hot sauce made in collaboration with The Fermentalists, grilled swordfish with roasted tomatoes and salsa verde, and the venue’s signature cheeseburger. A new pizza program features long-fermented dough made with sustainably grown wheat from the Tamworth region, topped with locally sourced produce.
At House Canteen, the updated menu spans breakfast, bakery items and sandwiches, along with Pan-Asian-inspired lunch options such as coconut chicken curry and grass-fed beef brisket rendang.
Applejack’s Culinary Director Patrick Friesen said: “Sydney is the most delicious city in the world, and we want to celebrate the people who make it so. We have the incredible opportunity to showcase the producers, growers, and makers who define Sydney’s food culture, from oyster farmers to artisan cheesemakers. We want every dish to celebrate and tell Sydney’s food story.”
Alongside the food offering, Applejack has partnered with Arts-Matter to curate Opera Bar’s weekly live music program. Running seven nights a week, the lineup ranges from afternoon acoustic sets to evening DJs, designed to complement the neighbouring Opera House’s cultural calendar. The collaboration will also extend to seasonal activations and major cultural events.
Applejack is also introducing operational updates across the precinct, including new Tour & Dine packages and staff uniforms developed with local brands Good Sock, Cargo Crew and Volley. Both venues are overseen by Precinct General Manager Holly McMahon, who has previously held leadership roles across Applejack’s portfolio.
Looking ahead, Applejack has confirmed that House Canteen will undergo a rebrand in 2026, to be followed by a major refurbishment of Opera Bar.