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Which 3 Aussie venues made the World’s Best Bars list?

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Posted 19 Oct 2023

By
Amelia Ball

It’s official. Three Aussie venues (and all Aussie drinkers) have something to celebrate.

Just for the record, we’ve always known our Aussie bar scene is bloody amazing, but now it’s official: two of our venues have scored a top spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars, and a third has placed in the top 100. Sydney’s Maybe Sammy has taken out 15th position in the coveted annual list, rising from number 29 last year, while Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage has debuted in the top 50 at a massive number 23. This follows the CBD cocktail bar sitting at number 60 last year. Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Byrdi has hit number 61 in the extended list, marking this city hotspot’s re-entry to the awards. 

The World’s 50 Best Bars were announced in Singapore on October 17, where Barcelona venue Sips won the number-one spot. This is the second consecutive year that a Barcelona bar has won the top title, with nearby venue Paradiso (it’s just a 10-minute Uber from Sips – file that for your dream bar-crawl) handing over the baton after shuffling to number four. New York’s Double Chicken Please, Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City and London’s Connaught Bar make up the rest of the top five this year. 

Making a non-alcoholic cocktail at Maybe Sammy
If you’re yet to step inside Maybe Sammy, you’re in for a ride. This glam 1950s-style cocktail bar in The Rocks, which opened in early 2019, is loved for its old-school service, tricked-up cocktails and fancy snacks. Claiming the title of The Best Bar in Australasia for the second year in a row, its 15th ranking recognises the team’s latest cocktail menu, their solid options for non-alcoholic drinks and fortifieds, plus a new chef and food offering. 
As for the massive climb up the ranks by Caretaker’s Cottage, it all comes down to its seriously considered but understated approach. As the judges behind the awards say, this hidden gem is a “subtle temple to great drinks”. The panel took into account the complete Caretaker’s package, from its tucked-away historic cottage setting, lighting, music and sound to the natural timber features and, of course, the top-tier drinks. The trio behind the venue – Rob Libecans, Ryan Nordics and Matt Stirling – have made a huge impact in a very short amount of time, with this bar only opening in 2022. 
Inside Caretaker's Cottage in Melbourne
Melbourne’s Byrdi also has plenty to celebrate after re-entering the awards on the long list at number 61; the venue had previously debuted at number 80 in its first year of operation. The CBD spot is a haven for experimental drinks – think ferments and seasonal creations – and you’d never know you were tucked away inside the food court at Melbourne Central. Moody, sleek and minimalist in style, Byrdi is super original in everything it does, but the judges this year also noted that Byrdi still knows how to have a good time. 
If you haven’t yet had the extreme pleasure of sidling up to the bar and sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail at one of these three winning venues, do yourself a favour and get in there stat. And in the meantime, whip up Matt Stirling’s Crimes of Passion cocktail – a recipe featuring mezcal, passionfruit and a pinch of cayenne that he whipped up for us recently.
For a full list of winners in this year’s awards, check out the details at The World’s 50 Best Bars. 
Authour image
Amelia BallAmelia Ball is a journalist, editor and former Editorial Director of Halliday Wine Companion, who specialises in drinks, food and travel.
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Hit ListNewsAustralian regionEventsCocktails
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