Surprise, surprise – Melbourne’s Caretakers Cottage and Sydney’s Maybe Sammy have landed on the World’s 50 Best Bars List again. But the list scored another Aussie entrant in Byrdi, the first time the Melbourne bar has cracked the top 50.
The best in the drinks business descended on Madrid last night for the prestigious annual award, where our acclaimed bars came in at 21, 26 and 35 respectively. Mexico’s Handshake Speakeasy took out the number one spot.
According to the ranking – which spans 28 destinations around the world – Caretaker’s is now the best bar in Australasia, taking over from reigning champs Maybe Sammy.
“Probably Victoria’s smallest pub” jumped up from 23rd position last year, and also took home the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award – with 50 Best praising the way it manages to “stand out as the friendliest [bar] in a country renowned for its genial nature”.
Sammy, meanwhile, has slipped. The suave Sydney bar – a favourite in the World’s 50 Best list – achieved its second-highest ever ranking last year at number 15. In a statement, Maybe Sammy co-founder Stefano Catino called the recognition a “tremendous honour” and gave a shout-out to its elite team.
“Their passion and creativity are at the heart of everything we do at Maybe Sammy. We’re also very proud of Caretaker’s Cottage on being named Best Bar in Australasia this year – it’s fantastic to see Australian talent continue to shine on the global stage."
Byrdi has finally joined the top 50 club after placing 61 last year and 56 in 2021. Judges said it might be “the most Australian bar in existence… and blends laid-back, loquacious service with high-concept cocktails.”
The longlist of bars ranked 51 to 100 was released earlier this month. Sydney’s tiny laneway mezcal bar Cantina OK was named the 96th best bar in the world, while Melbourne’s minimalist Above Board came in at number 100. Both bars have appeared on the top-50 list previously: Cantina OK was ranked at 41 in 2022 and Above Board came in at 44 in 2021.