The Ritz-Carlton, Perth has appointed award-winning mixologist Marco Manca as Bar Operation Manager, overseeing both Songbird Bar and Hearth Lounge. Bringing more than a decade of international experience across luxury venues in Italy and Australia, Marco joins the hotel with a vision to cement Songbird’s reputation as a destination for both Perth locals and visitors seeking a world-class yet relaxed and refined bar experience.
In this new role, Marco will lead Songbird’s cocktail programme, guest experience and day-to-day operations, working to introduce a relaxed, engaging style of service inspired by European hospitality. His ambition is to create an environment where guests feel at ease whether they are celebrating a special occasion or simply dropping in for a carefully crafted drink.
A Career Built on Craft and Leadership
Marco’s career in hospitality began at 17, in Italy, shaped early by his family’s bar and restaurant business, he was driven by the reward of people returning year after year. After completing a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality, he trained at the Beverage Academy and Drink Factory in Sardinia, where he undertook two years of study in bartending techniques, mixology history, raw material conversion and homemade cocktail preparations, a technical foundation that continues to underpin his approach to beverage creation.
He went on to hold senior roles across high-volume luxury venues in Italy, including Head Bartender at Me Milan Il Duca and Radio Rooftop Bar in Milan, where he developed creative cocktail programmes, orchestrated private events and upsold bespoke beverage pairings in a fine dining context. In 2021, Marco was recognised with the prestigious ‘Bar Italia’ Award for his work with Whitley Neill Gin. Since relocating to Perth, Marco served as Bar Manager at Bar Lafayette, and more recently, Restaurant Manager at W. Churchill.
“Joining The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is both a responsibility and an opportunity,” said Marco. “It allows me to contribute to the evolution of Perth’s bar scene while helping create an environment that feels welcoming, approachable and world-class at the same time. I’m proud to be joining a team that shares that commitment.”
A Fresh Vision for Songbird
Marco brings both local understanding and a distinctly international perspective to Songbird. His approach to cocktail development is rooted in accessibility, a belief that exceptional drinks should be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their cocktail knowledge.
New cocktail offerings will pay homage to the natural landscape and cultural heritage of Western Australia. Signature serves, inspired by native Australian birds and the surrounding habitat, draw on indigenous aromas and flavours, with certain components requiring several days of preparation to achieve their full depth and complexity. Marco is also drawing inspiration from the atmosphere and storytelling of traditional Smoking Ceremonies, incorporating aromatic native elements that speak to the land and environment surrounding The Ritz-Carlton, Perth.
Marco describes his broader vision for Songbird as creating “a refined experience without being intimidating, a place where luxury and genuine hospitality come together in a relaxed and welcoming setting.” He adds: “We want people to feel as though they can explore flavours and cultures from around the world without ever leaving Perth.”
