Last night, as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, Melbourne cocktail bar Caretaker’s Cottage was named the winner of the Mitcher’s Art of Hospitality Award, recognised for creating an unmatched hospitality experience.
Founded in 2022 in the former home of a church caretaker in Wesley Place, Caretaker’s Cottage brings modern hospitality to one of the city’s heritage precincts. Spearheaded by Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling, the bar has received countless accolades for its distinct approach to hospitality, coming in at number 23 on the 2023 The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Commenting on the achievement, Libecans, Noreiks and Stirling said: “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 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. We can’t wait to share the news with everyone, as this award wouldn’t have been possible without our community.”
Short and sweet, the concise cocktail menu at Caretaker’s Cottage changes with the months, typically featuring three classics with three contemporaries, alongside a rotating milk punch.
Offering an experience that runs deeper than the drinks, the understated venue invites guests to get up close and personal with the team at an intimate bar embedded with a record player and stacks of vinyl, embodying the atmosphere of a traditional pub, which is also matched by the style of hospitality.
It is this unique approach at Caretaker’s Cottage that saw the venue scoop the award for Best Bar Team at the 2023 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIAs), now in the running for four more awards, landing a spot as a finalist for Best Cocktail List, Best Bar, Best Bar Team and Best Bar Owner at the 2024 ALIAs.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “Since opening just a couple of years ago, Caretaker’s Cottage has quickly established itself as one of the best bars in the world, entering the list at number 23 last year. A firm favourite amongst industry peers and guests, the bar continues to exemplify the true meaning of hospitality.
“While the drinks themselves are second to none, the authentically warm, laid-back atmosphere provides a home away from home for guests, creating an unrivalled and utterly memorable drinking experience. This is a very well-deserved win, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire Caretaker’s Cottage team.”
The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy is made up of more than 700 anonymous international industry experts. Established to emphasise the importance of hospitality in the bar experience, each member nominates one bar where they experienced the most outstanding hospitality in the last 18 months, culminating in a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday, 22 October.
Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s Distillery, added: “Congratulations to Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks, Matt Stirling and the brilliant team at Caretaker’s Cottage on being named winners of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. Their attentive hospitality, delicious drinks, and thoughtful music programme set Caretaker’s Cottage apart as a leader in the Australian and global bar community.”