The Winners of the Opera Bar Tender Have Been Announced

Opera Bar is about to get a big ol' revamp. Matt Moran’s restaurant group, MorSul and the current operators of Opera Bar, Solotel, have won the tender to sign on for another ten years at the waterfront venue. Culinary heavyweights Justin Hemmes and Fraser Short had vied for the space, whose winning team has been announced this week. Closing for about four week in late 2014, the revamped Opera Bar will be open for trading by the end of the year.

Celebrating the next phase of the Sydney Opera House-partnered, can’t-get-more-waterfront postcard venue, Moran (notable owner of Chiswick, Bondi Fish and Aria) revealed a sneak peek at the new Australian produce-focused food concept for the bar: "We have had a terrific 13-year partnership at Opera Bar with Sydney Opera House and we can’t wait to reveal a new food concept including a charcuterie, raw bar and cafe, with a strong focus on the best Australia has to offer in the way of produce and drinks," he said. The venue's new charcuterie room will focus on pork meat and offal, while the raw seafood bar should satisfy seaside tastes. There'll also be a brand new cafe section at the southern entrance.

Moran's successful signing marks another Opera House notch in the celebrity chef's belt. Good Food report speculation of Moran's interest in a permanent operation at the venue, after his short-term catering contract at Bennelong this year (the Trust are looking elsewhere for a marquee operator for now).

The process of winning the tender is being kept rather under wraps. GF noted the Bennelong process was considered a little lax by some, while apparently Opera Bar contenders (including the current owners, Solotel) were put through a laborious submission process.

Solotel's input is sure to draw a different crowd to the Circular Quay bar with a more pub-like vibe; they also own Newtown's beloved Courthouse and the Darlo, as well as the Golden Sheaf, the Bank and Bridgeview. Creative director of Solotel, Anna Solomon (who owns the company with her father Bruce) said, "We are over the moon with the decision and look forward to unveiling our new design concept and fit-out for the best location in Sydney. Our vision showcases the celebratory experience of the Opera House and we're excited for Sydney to fall even more in love with Opera Bar."

Stay tuned for more details of the Opera Bar redesign over the coming weeks.