The Sydney bar is recognised in the first of a series of special awards leading up to announcement of The World’s 50 Best Bars next month. By Holly Graham.

Maybe Sammy (Sydney) – the hotel bar without a hotel – think classic cocktail bar with the elegance and grandiose of hotel service – is renowned for its fantastically quirky and convivial hospitality. Today, the bar has been awarded the Art of Hospitality award ahead of the World’s 50 Best digital announcement on November 5. 

The award was voted for by 540 members of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, made up of industry experts who were asked to name a venue where they had received outstanding hospitality during the voting period.

Inspired by the 1950s golden age of cocktails, the bar is the brainchild of Stefano Catino, Vince Lombardo, Martin Hudak and Andrea Gualdi, and clocked in as a new entry at 43 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019 after opening just nine months prior, along with a win at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2019 for Best New International Cocktail Bar. 

From mini Martinis to modern twists on classics, there’s also house roasted coffee cocktails overseen by Martin who was the 2017 World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, is currently the global coffee ambassador for Mr Black Spirits and last year won International Bartender of the Year at our very own DMBA 2019. You’ll find the team in their signature white jackets, often sporting a purple “Lobby Boy” hat and brandishing accessories like flamingo-shaped sunglasses and bubble guns to get the party started. 

Of the win, Martin says: “I think we are providing same hospitality as any other successful bar around the world. The difference is the friendship and connection we have between us founders, and happiness and joy we have when we work. We strive to transfer that excitement and fun to our guest and make them feel unique and special, whether that’s through silly bubble guns, toys or perfectly balanced cocktails.

When our guests see us in action at the bar or around the world during our pop ups, they can see that we are having real fun, making them laugh with jokes and taking piss out of each other. I think people in hospitality forget to have fun and be happy.”

For a look into Maybe Sammy, click and watch here.

The World’s 50 Best will be announcing the next special award – One To Watch – next week on October 15.