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Humans of Applejack: Matt Johnson

We sat down for a chat with Applejack Group Beverage Manager; Matt Johnson.

Let’s get to know the man leading all things beverage across Applejack.

Meet Matt, otherwise known as MJ; Group Beverage Manager of Applejack. MJ has been part of Applejack for over 5 years now, working his way up from a Bartender at Forrester’s, Manager at Forrester’s and Taphouse, to now leading the beverage team & strategy across Applejack.

We are so excited to showcase MJ, his progression at Applejack and his passion for beverage & hospitality as an industry.

Keep reading to discover more about his experience, why Applejack and his go to Applejack cocktail.

Let’s Chat…

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your experience in hospitality?

Hello! Matt Johnson here! About nine years ago I embarked on a 6 month working holiday to Australia that I enjoyed so much that I just never left. Don’t tell Home Affairs.

After managing pubs in the south east of England, mainly playing darts and pool, pouring the occasional Carling or Fosters for the questionable locals, I studied a drama degree in Birmingham. As with any Arts degree, it led me to the hospitality industry. First at home, and now abroad in Sydney. My new home.

Forrester’s is where my Applejack journey began as a bartender over 5 years ago, before progressing into management & making the move across to Taphouse for opening as Beverage Manager. In 2025 i took on the role of Group Beverage Assistant, before stepping up to the role of Group Beverage Manager of Applejack.

What do you love about working in the hospitality industry?

It’s an industry like no other, isn’t it? Great hospitality makes the world a better place. I love food. Wine. Guinness. Martinis. More Martinis! Seeing rooms filled with these wonderful things and people smiling and laughing and enjoying themselves. It makes all the admin and spreadsheets worthwhile.

Why Applejack?

Applejack is made of incredible people. I learn from the people I work around every day. There is a real authenticity to everyone and that sort of shines through in every bar, pub and restaurant. Working within a group that is so well grounded in values helps guide decision making and reminds you that you’re part of something bigger.

Favourite Applejack memory?

There’s many! A standout is probably Taphouse on Mardi Gras Parade Day 202…4? 2024. All three storeys packed to the rafters, DJ blasting Sophie Ellis-Baxter, the whole building absolutely thumping, I thought the ceiling was going to fall through! It was like hosting Sydney’s best house party.

Favourite Applejack drink or cocktail?

A cocktail I cannot stop going back to again and again is the Mango Mezcal Tommys at Bopp & Tone. So good in fact is has made guest appearances at SoCal and the Butler. Juicy, smokey deliciousness. Long live the Mezcal Marg.

More frequently though you’ll see me with a Guinness at Opera Bar, Forresters or Taphouse.

Catch MJ in venue leading the bar teams. Join us for a cocktail or two at one of our 13 venues today!

Explore career opportunities to work with MJ or at our other venues across Sydney.