Solotel appoints first Food & Beverage Director

Solotel has announced the appointment of their first ever Food & Beverage Director, Joshua Hillary (ex Duxton Hospitality Services and Rockpool Dining Group), who will spearhead a new focus on service, food, and drinks across Solotel’s 26 pubs, bars and restaurants.

Starting mid-October, Hillary brings more than two decades of experience to the newly-created role, a milestone in Solotel’s five-year strategy to curate creative, culture-forward, and personalised hospitality experiences that appeal to the next generation.

The appointment will see Hillary manage a team of specialists across iconic venues, including Opera Bar, Barangaroo House, North Bondi Fish, Aria, Kings Cross Hotel, The Clock, Surry Hills and The Abercrombie.

Elliot Solomon, CEO of Solotel, said Hillary’s appointment as Solotel’s first-ever Food & Beverage Director demonstrates the group’s deep commitment to elevating crucial components in their pub, bar, and restaurant experience.

“We’re incredibly excited about the evolution of Solotel and the opportunities that Josh’s expertise and experience will open up for food, drink, and guest experience at Solotel venues. We can’t wait for him to get started in October just in time for Chez Blue, our new neighbourhood French bistro, to open in Rozelle,” said Solomon.

“I’ve been fortunate to have built up a diverse range of experience across some amazing venues,” said Hillary. “I’m looking forward to applying similar principles in terms of guest experience to Solotel’s established pubs, restaurants, and bars as well as its future openings. I’m particularly excited about taking what people expect of pub food and guest experience and really stretching that to a new level.”

Hillary’s appointment follows the April 2023 unveiling of Solotel’s new brand and company values as part of its strategy to attract top talent, positioning the group as ‘A Family of Venues’ that draws on the Solomon family’s 110-year history operating Sydney pubs.

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