Hospitality Group Applejack Has Snapped Up Surry Hills Institution The Forresters

With over six decades under its belt, Surry Hills' The Forresters has quite the watering hole history. While the Foveaux Street site has housed a pub since the 1950s, in recent years you'd be more familiar with its $10 steak nights, value-packed happy hour deals and laidback hangs in those plaid-upholstered booths.

But from next month, this colourful, kitschy haunt is jumping into a whole new phase of its life under new owners, hospitality group Applejack. You'll probably recognise that name as the one behind CBD newcomer Hester's, though Applejack's also responsible for popular venues including Neutral Bay's SoCal, bar and restaurant Bopp & Tone, and Endeavour Tap Rooms in The Rocks. The latest Surry Hills takeover will mark the group's eighth venue.

Applejack's Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts

So what's next in store for The Forresters? The new owners are keeping hush on most of the specifics for now, except to reveal plans for a 'major renovation' and a relaunch happening some time in the next few months. Group Founders Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts hinted they'd be serving up something a little more casual than the rest of their stable, going on to say: "Our goal is to deliver a community-centric watering hole with an Applejack twist." Unfortunately, there's no word yet on whether cheap steaks and $5 schooners will still be on the menu when the pub reopens its doors.

The Forresters last enjoyed a major makeover back in 2012. It's been helmed by the Australian Venue Co — formerly Dixon Hospitality Group — since 2016.

Find The Forresters at the corner of Foveaux and Riley Streets, Surry Hills. Applejack Hospitality will take over from September — we'll share more details about future plans as they drop.