Bartender

The bartender

Rob Libecans

Caretakers Cottage

After 23 years, Rob has well and truly earned the title of ‘industry legend.’ His work spans pubs, clubs and bars across both Europe and Australia, all leading to his current role as Co-Owner and Director of Caretaker’s Cottage, which was recently voted Australia’s best bar in The World's 50 Best Bars 2024.

What’s a significant risk you’ve taken in your career, and what was the outcome?

There a few that stand out. Definitely moving back to the Uk and being a part of the opening team for White Lyan, a bar that didn’t use perishables, ice or brands in 2013. So many of these aspects that are commonplace now in all bars were seen as either progressive or people wanted to fail as they challenged the status quo. That bar and the mindset of the 4 of us (Ryan, Iain, Robin & myself) had to push ourselves and the idea of a bar was life changing for me. I still have a “Lyan” thought process to operations and drinks now I have my own business.