Melbourne’s tiniest pub has just made a massive mark on the global stage. Caretaker’s Cottage, the beloved bluestone bar tucked behind the Wesley Place church on Little Lonsdale Street, has been named the 19th best bar in the world in the prestigious 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Announced in Hong Kong this week, the annual awards celebrate the finest bars and bartenders across the globe, judged by an international panel of industry experts.
For Caretaker’s Cottage, it’s a well-deserved rise – improving on its 2024 ranking by two spots to officially claim the title of Australia’s best bar, with Sydney’s Maybe Sammy the only other local venue on the list at number 42.
Housed in a 1914 caretaker’s quarters, the bar channels the warmth and character of a classic British pub, albeit a pint-sized one. Inside, it’s all low lighting, timber tones, and records spinning on a vintage sound system – a space that feels as relaxed as it is refined.
The drinks program is ever-changing, with inventive cocktails, a thoughtful wine list, and a rotating selection of beer, while Guinness and Punch remain reliable staples. Plates are small, shareable, and sourced from local producers, adding to the charm of this intimate hideaway.
Caretaker’s Cottage’s rise in the rankings cements what Melburnians already know: the city’s small bars continue to punch well above their weight on the international stage.
