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Caretaker's Cottage

Melbourne

• Michter's Art of Hospitality Award 2024
• The Best Bar in Australasia 2024, sponsored by Amaro Lucano

Beneath the skyscrapers in the middle of the Melbourne CBD, there’s a small, humble-looking place that was once the residence of the caretaker of the church next door. It’s here you’ll find a small team taking care of the thirsty, the tired and those in need of a good time.

Caretaker’s Cottage opened quietly in 2022; it has since become a must-visit for locals and travellers alike. The owners, Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling – all of whom have worked across some of best bars in the world – are a rare thing in that they all actually work in the bar. They don’t shout the pedigree of Caretaker’s Cottage to the world, preferring to call it a simple, local pub, and in vibe and design it’s very much a neighbourhood joint.

The drinks menu changes every month with new drinks and a complete design overhaul but the two constants – their super-cold signature martini, and Guinness so good it causes envy in the local Irish pubs – are a mainstay. The team’s approach to above and beyond service was recognised with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2024 and the title of The Best Bar in Australasia for The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024.

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