The 50 Best Bars for 2026 were just revealed in Milan, with one Melbourne venue making it to the list. Back for its 18th edition, these awards celebrate the best bars around the world, with 26 cities represented across the rankings. To our delight, Caretaker’s Cottage was named in 45th place, making it the highest Australasian bar on the list, and the only venue to feature from Australia.
Caretaker’s Cottage – The 50 Best Bars 2026
The rankings are determined by votes from The 50 Best Bars Academy, which is made up of over 800 drinks experts, including bartenders, writers and cocktail specialists, spread across 29 regions. Each expert anonymously casts eight votes based on their best bar experiences from the previous 18 months.
This is the fourth year in a row that Caretaker’s Cottage has appeared on the list, with the bar named in 19th place just last year. This tiny venue opened next to Wesley Church in 2022, and has been celebrated for its incredible hospitality from its three owners.
Try their signature cold martini, sip on a pint of Guinness or relax with their house punch, or mix it up with a drink from their evolving menu, which changes once a month. Settle in to one of the nooks, and listen to spinning records from their custom-built speakers.
Meanwhile, Three Horses in Melbourne, which appeared on the extended list at number 84, received the Campari One to Watch Award. This special award means that the sherry bar on Little Lonsdale Street is the most likely venue to break into The 50 Best Bars list in the future.
To see the full list, click here.
