Melbourne bar Caretaker’s Cottage has secured the 2024 Art of Hospitality Award from The World’s 50 Best Bars.
More than 700 anonymous industry experts from across the globe voted for the bar they received the most outstanding hospitality service at in the last 18 months, with Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling’s venue emerging victorious.
Caretaker’s Cottage is known for many things – the iconic Wesley Place bluestone cottage (that was the former home of a church caretaker) it resides in is just the start.
It’s a bar where patrons can order one of the coldest martinis in the country, a milk punch, or a pint of Guinness all the while enjoying a soundtrack of vinyls played from behind the bar, which doubles as a DJ booth.
Caretaker’s Cottage quickly became acknowledged on both a local and a global scale since it opened back in 2022, with the co-founders credited with establishing a venue that combines old-school sensibility with cutting-edge drinks and warm, approachable service.
“To operate Caretaker’s Cottage in Melbourne, and to host people in our tiny pub from all over the world, is truly the greatest honour,” the co-founders said.
“The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award encompasses everything we strive for, and we are stoked to be recognised this year. Our hardworking staff believe in our vision and have helped carve our idea of ‘modern hospitality’ into the bluestone.
“We’re so proud to have created a fun and inclusive environment that guests enjoy as much as we do.”
The World’s 50 Best Bars will be announced during a live ceremony in Spain on 22 October.
Caretaker’s Cottage is currently ranked no.23 on the list, with fellow Australian bar Maybe Sammy holding the no.15 position.
