Discovering the Charm of Caretaker’s Cottage
Discovering the Charm of Caretaker’s Cottage
The Wesley Place precinct is a mesmerizing portal to days of old, where heritage buildings and conservation efforts honor Melbourne’s rich history. Nestled behind Wesley Church, beside a resilient olive tree that’s been rooted since 1875, you’ll find Caretaker’s Cottage, a charming public bar. It may exude Gothic Revival Architecture on the outside, but step inside, and it’s like a cozy house party at your parents’ dear friend’s place. With incredible speakers, turntables, a well-stocked vinyl collection, and a clear focus on drinks over music, it’s an inviting space. The drinks menu keeps it simple, offering classic and contemporary cocktails, wines by the glass, and a selection of beers, with Guinness on tap as a favorite. The attentive, apron-clad staff elevate the experience, helping you discover the perfect libation. Sipping a Beefeater gin cocktail in an unexpectedly generous coupe glass, you’ll find warmth and a desire for more, like a cherished gathering among friends.
Let’s explore the Sergio Ramos cocktail, a tantalizing twist on the Ramos Gin Fizz, reminiscent of a thick, milkshake-like elixir. With Chivas Regal 12 Year Scotch, Pina Colada Liqueur, coconut cream, lemon, and a touch of Strangelove Pear Soda, it’s so creamy you’ll need a spoon for the last frothy sips, evoking visions of a sun-soaked poolside oasis. The desi roti, with its impeccably crisp crust and chewy center from Falco Bakery, is a must-try, enhanced by the fennel seed butter. The homemade pickle thali also shines, with the fennel pickle adding a delightful twist. And if you’re in the mood for dinner, don’t fret; Caretaker’s Cottage offers a winter soup, Welsh rarebit, and bangers and mash with Guinness gravy. Steeped in history, this place, built in 1914, was once the caretaker’s abode. With its timeless charm and a menu that marries past and present, Caretaker Cottage is poised to remain a Melbourne bar scene favorite, where past meets present in a warm, vibrant, and joyful embrace.