How do you create a local-friendly bar in one of the world’s most tourist-heavy locations? It seems the team at Opera Bar has the recipe and it doesn’t have a jam jar or festoon light in sight.
Not that there’s anything particularly wrong with those things but there’s no denying that there’s a certain code when it comes to identifying whether a watering hole has been designed with locals in mind or a tourist-tailored den laden with ‘cool bar’ cliches.
But Opera Bar doesn’t need to resort to semiotics when it’s got two of the world’s most famous landmarks side and centre in their beer garden. Seeing and being seen is fundamentally part of the DNA. There’s certainly no avoiding the eyeballs from the constant flow of foot-traffic to and from the Opera House.
But despite the novelty of sitting on display, Opera Bar’s atmosphere feels more unifying than exhibitionist. Whether you’re a camera-carrying tourist or a Surry Hills hipster, you can’t help but stare mouth agape at the 360 views across the harbour. It’s an irresistible sight that never fails to humble even the most jaded Sydney-sider.
However credit needs to go where it’s due. Back in 2014 when Matt Moran and his business partner Peter Sullivan got a solid grip on the venue Opera Bar was still buzzing but it needed the love to bring in fresh crowds (not just travellers).
Moran put his primary focus on the food offerings, overseeing the charcuterie bars and charcoal grills that popped up either side of the beer garden, as well as inviting musicians for intimate outdoor performances.
It became the perfect marriage of sight, sound and taste. We don’t think we’re overstating it when we say the Morsul team made it cool to celebrate the city again.
Three years on and there’s still no better place to escape to whether you’ve newly arrived in Australia or been here all your life.
The world can be a crazy place and will sometimes drive you mad but the fastest cure for urban apathy is simply heading down to the harbour at sunset and appreciating what we have and see the city with the fresh eyes of a foreigner.
Having a glass of rose in at the same time never hurts as well.
Follow Opera Bar on Instagram @operabarsydney
