Applejack has officially opened Winnie’s, an all-day dining and drinking destination at the Sydney Opera House, paying tribute to the pianist Winifred Atwell, the first woman to perform at the landmark before it officially opened.
Located beside Opera Bar, the new venue expands Applejack’s footprint within the Opera House precinct, adding a new electric kitchen, an upgraded bar and more than 330 seats spread across the terrace and seawall overlooking Sydney Harbour. The opening marks the first stage in Applejack’s broader plans to refresh the precinct, with Opera Bar set to close for refurbishment before reopening ahead of summer.
Applejack Co-Founder Hamish Watts said the venue was inspired by Atwell’s performance for construction workers in 1964, long before the Opera House became one of Australia’s most recognisable buildings.
“This harbourside dining venue has always had incredible energy, people coming and going, meeting before shows, catching up over a drink,” said Watts. “Winnie’s is our chance to build on the legacy of Winifred Atwell to create a venue with its own identity that truly belongs here and feels as significant as the location itself.”
Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer Jade McKellar said Atwell’s story made her the perfect inspiration for the new venue.
“We’re so excited for Sydney to fall in love with this beautiful new venue. Winifred Atwell was a true trailblazer and her incredible performance here all those years ago is such a special part of the building’s history. I love that we’re bringing her story to life in a new way.”
While the kitchen focuses on Australian café-style dining, it’s the drinks program that cements Winnie’s as more than just another waterfront café.
Curated by Applejack Group Beverage Manager Matt Johnson alongside Opera Bar Precinct Beverage Manager James “Rusty” Russell, the menu moves from morning through to late afternoon drinks. Coffee comes exclusively from Sydney roaster Gabriel, joined by matcha, chai and fresh juices before transitioning into cocktails built around native Australian ingredients.
The signature cocktail list incorporates flavours including wattleseed and lilly pilly, while familiar favourites such as Espresso Martinis, House Margaritas and Aperol Spritz ensure there are approachable options for visitors stopping in.
The beverage offering continues with a NSW-focused wine and beer list featuring producers including Aaron Mercer Wines and Tyrrell’s Family Wines alongside local breweries Stone & Wood and Young Henrys, keeping the emphasis firmly on Australian producers.
The venue itself has been redesigned by Australian interior studio Luchetti Krelle, drawing inspiration from the Opera House’s original material palette. Red granite, dark terracotta, warm timber, and bronze detailing reference the heritage-listed building while giving Winnie’s an identity distinct from its neighbouring Opera Bar.
Open daily, Winnie’s becomes the latest addition to Sydney’s harbourside hospitality scene, bringing an all-day drinks and dining offer to one of the city’s most visited locations while celebrating a piece of the Opera House’s history.
