Melbourne bar Caretaker’s Cottage has won the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024.

Caretaker’s Cottage came out on top after each member of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, made up of more than 700 anonymous industry experts from around the world, were asked to name the bar where they had experienced the most outstanding hospitality in the last 18 months.

Originally home to a church caretaker, Caretaker’s Cottage, which opened in 2022, is a cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar in the heart of Wesley Place, Melbourne. It entered The World’s 50 Best Bars list last year at No.23.

Founders Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling have worked at some of the world’s best bars and combined their experience to create “a distinctly modern yet humble approach to hospitality”.

Inside, guests are up close and personal with the team behind the bar, which also functions as a DJ booth – a high-grade record player setup is embedded along one side of the bar, with stacks of vinyl set on the back bar beneath speakers.

The concise and strictly curated cocktail menu pairs three classics with three contemporary creations alongside a rotating milk punch, an English pub favourite from the 18th century.

“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,” said co-founders and owners Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling. “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 award will be presented alongside the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 in Madrid, Spain, on 22 October.

W: theworlds50best.com/bars