Earlier this month, Melbourne’s Above Board made it to the longlist for The World’s 50 Best Bars. Now, the results are in, and not one, but two Melbourne bars have made it to The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2024. Caretaker’s Cottage, which also received the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, was named at No. 21. Meanwhile, Byrdi has appeared on the list for the very first time, coming in at No. 35.
The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2024
This year marked the 16th edition of the annual World’s 50 Best Bars list. The rankings are decided by over 700 drinks experts, including renowned bartenders, drinks writers and cocktail specialists. This year, the venues came from 28 cities around the world.
The top spot was claimed by Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy, and New York was the most prominent spot in North America, with four places on the list. London also had four bars on the list, making it the most featured European city. While Hong Kong’s Bar Leone was ranked second place, it was Singapore that took out the most spots in Asia, with four bars on the list.
Australian bars
Three Australian venues were named this year. Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage rose two places this time around, coming in at No. 21. Sydney’s Maybe Sammy followed closely behind at No. 26. Melbourne’s Byrdi, which featured on the longlist last year at No. 61, climbed up the rankings to appear on The World’s 50 Best Bars List for the first time at No. 35.
Arguably the smallest pub in Victoria, the tiny Caretaker’s Cottage once housed the caretaker of Wesley Church. Now, it serves up an evolving drinks list alongside the sweet tunes of spinning vinyl records. Their signature cold martini and their Guinness are two constants that you can look forward to each time you visit. Praised for their hospitality, you’ll find the owners Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling working at the bar and serving good drinks and good times.
Meanwhile, Byrdi was described on the list as possibly “the most Australian bar in existence”. Find a seasonal and carefully researched drinks list that uses hyperlocal produce from Victorian farms. The conceptional drinks can get quite technical, but the venue was noted for its laid back service. The owners Luke Whearty and Aki Nishikura were also praised for supporting small, local spirits producers. You’ll find this bar at Melbourne Central.
Find the full list here.