Every year in October and November, World’s 50 Best Bars and the Top 500 Bars of Best or Most Influential Bar are announced. Both competitions have a different way of reaching their final lists. World’s 50 uses a voting panel, where Top 500 only uses data. The lists are not identical because of this. I reached out to Maybe Sammy, who is ranked 13th on the list of World’s 50 Best Bars, but takes the top spot on Top 500 Bars. Which means they are amongst the favorite bars of the global voting panel and also the most influential bar in the world.

For several years now, Maybe Sammy has been working its way up the global ranks. They are well known for using props and toys to “help disarm and make people relax” in their bar, which is full of marble. Sadly, I haven’t been able to visit them yet, as Sydney isn’t quite around the corner. But it is amazing to see a bar so sleek and polished with bartenders dressed in pink double-breasted jackets create such a festive atmosphere with bubbleguns, sunglasses and wigs. I mailed with Sarah Proietti, venue manager & head of people & culture, which is another way of saying she arranges the bartenders and equips them with the right tools to make an unforgettable experience for their guests. She shared some insights on how they are consistenly ranked high in both lists and what both mean for them and for the industry. I’m just hoping I’m able visit them in the future, but it’s quite a long way from Amsterdam 😉

First of all: congrats! Could you describe what you guys do so good to reach these positions?

Hello and thank you! We still can’t believe to have achieved the #1 position on Top500 Bars and #15 as best bar in Australasia on World’s 50 Best Bars.
We deeply value the outcome of these Awards as the venue is busy like it’s never been before, and is acting as a serotonin boost for our team, who are now more motivated than ever.
It’s a genuine honour for us to represent Australia’s outstanding hospitality community on the global stage, as we truly believe Australia has one of the best communities in the world.

What we do well is focus on consistently delivering exceptional service, we embrace a theatrical service approach, foster a welcoming and fun atmosphere for the guests and team members, while delivering a curated and innovative menu. We strive to exceed expectations in every aspect of our operation and this dedication has undoubtedly contributed to our success in both Top500 and W50B.

It is very interesting to see you rank 1 and 13 in two different elections. Could you describe how they differ from one another?

In terms of the distinctions between the two rankings, Top500 relies on data-driven metrics, whereas W50B operates on a voting-based system where judges physically visit the venue to cast their votes.

Guest shifts and bar takeovers have become a huge thing in the past few years, and have only accelerated after covid. How important are these for the ranking in w50b en top500?

While these initiatives may not directly impact Top500 or W50B rankings, it significantly boosts our visibility on a global scale. Ultimately brands want to collaborate with us because they values the uniqueness of our style of service, while also showcases their product, we feel privileged to be able to travel across the globe as it is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering a “Show experience”.

W50b relies fully on voting, top500 is data-driven. Do you follow a specific online strategy? Do you have some good insights that you can share with fellow bars that can help build a solid strategy?

Recognizing the power of social media as a modern business card. We leverage these platforms to showcase everything we do from our new cocktail menu, day-by-day service updates, weekly promotions, to events like the Maybe Festival held in April.
For bars aiming to build a robust strategy, prioritize delivering exceptional service and crafting unique experiences that deeply resonate with guests while establishing a strong and planned online presence. Authenticity is key, build a team that passionately advocates for your brand. Don’t work solely for awards; let them naturally follow your genuine efforts.

Celebrate victories, but always stay true to your direction.