Applejack Is Carrying Out Its Long-Term Vision for Opera Bar and House Canteen, Embarking on Fresh Harbourside Upgrades
Having signed a ten-year agreement to run Opera Bar and House Canteen, Applejack is ready to commence renovations on its harbourside venues.
If you missed the news in August last year, Applejack officially took over the reins of Opera Bar and its neighbouring House Canteen, following 24 years in the steady hands of Matt Moran and his Solotel hospitality group. Now, works are about to begin on Applejack's newest venues, offering a little insight into the new operator's long-term vision for the popular harbourside spot.
From Monday, March 9, House Canteen will close as it undergoes a significant refresh. Expected to reopen in June 2026 with a rebrand, regulars can look forward to an elevated dining experience and improved guest amenities, breathing new life into the all-day hawker-style diner. As these works take place, Opera Bar will keep on keeping on next door, complete with its standard menus and a pop-up cafe for morning coffee.
Once House Canteen is back up and running, it will be time for Opera Bar to get a facelift as renovation work commences. Likewise, the upgrade will bring an improved dining experience, headlined by a new kitchen, bar and more indoor seating. With the works taking place over winter, those who love to soak up the million-dollar views with a cocktail in hand can look forward to a summer reopening.
While there are several improvements on the way, one upgrade not to overlook is the electrification of both venues' kitchens. Bringing each in line with the Opera House's sustainability and decarbonisation commitments, this follows last year's electrification of the Green Room Café and Commercial Kitchen, helping to reduce the venue's overall reliance on fossil fuels.
Following a competitive public tender process completed in mid-2025, Applejack secured a ten-year agreement to run Opera Bar and House Canteen. And it didn't waste any time bringing a new edge to both, offering locally driven menus, a refreshed music program and operational upgrades designed to make the visitor experience as special as the scenery.
Applejack is no stranger to running bustling venues, with the hospitality group now holding 13 in total. Spanning restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes, some of the group's most popular include Bopp & Tone, Forresster's, June's Shoppe, Taphouse and RAFI URBNSURF. With renovation work on Opera Bar and House Canteen about to begin, more details about the venues' updated look and feel will be announced as the refresh progresses.
House Canteen will close on Monday, March 9, with an expected June 2026 reopening date. Meanwhile, Opera Bar will close over winter and is scheduled to relaunch in time for summer 2026. Head to the website for more information.
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