Solotel has announced Alex Kirkwood has been appointed as general manager of Aria Sydney.
Kirkwood has worked at the group for more than a decade, most recently as head sommelier at Aria; a position he had held since 2016.
“I’m so honoured to be appointed as general manager of Aria, earning the trust of such a brilliant team to lead the venue through a new and exciting phase,” says Kirkwood.
The new GM will continue to oversee Aria’s wine program which will also involve the launch of the highly anticipated Aria Wine Bar.
“We’re definitely not content to sit on our laurels,” says Kirkwood.
“We want to keep pushing boundaries and challenging ourselves, and that’s exactly what we have planned for the launch of Aria Wine Bar. To be able to showcase a wine bar concept within a large-format wine program is quite unique and something we’re very proud of.”
The bar is expected to be up and running in the second half of 2021 and will see Executive Chef Joel Bickford put together a concise snack menu designed to complement a generous by-the-glass wine list.
The space will also host collaborations with other venues and hospitality professionals.
Kirkwood first joined Solotel in 2009 after time at Quay, Rockpool Bar and Grill and Momofuku Seiobo.
