Photo credit: Connaught Bar
The official list of the 50 best bars in the world is out! And in the first place, drum roll please…
Photo credit: Connaught Bar
… Is, once again, for the third consecutive year, the Connaught Bar, which not only won the best bar in the world, but also the best bar in Europe. The awards were announced this week at the 13th annual ceremony, presented by Perrier, in London.
The Connaught Bar, located at the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, is one of London’s hottest spots, renowned for its timeless elegance and innovative cocktails. It’s a vibe for sure thanks to the textured walls in platinum silver leaf and a cool gray bar that sets an elegant tone. Designed by David Collins Studio, the bar evokes 1920s English and Irish Cubist art, with a touch of timeless elegance.
Photo credit: Connaught Bar
Innovative cocktails are the name of the game here, though classics, like a gin martini served in an old-fashioned martini cart, are perfection as well. The Voronoi: Tapatio Tequila, Michoacan Mezcal, Muyu vetiver liqueur, lime and timur sorbet, Cocchi Rosa vermouth, grapefruit hop bitters and agave water is a particular favorite.
But what other sites have made the cut? London took the first two places. Along with Bar Connaught, Tayēr + Elementary in the city’s Old Street neighborhood came in second. The third city bar in the list is the underground Kwānt at # 31. Spain leads Europe with four bars on the list, with Barcelona’s Paradiso in third place, followed by Two Schmucks, who climbed 15 places to 11th. Salmon Guru, Madrid, is at No. 24 and is the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. Sips, Barcelona, is a new entry for Spain in 37th place.
Photo credit: Connaught Bar
Greece claims two spots on the list with Athenian bars The Clumsies and Baba au Rum # 4 and # 14 respectively. Italy has three bars on the list as Milan’s new entry Camparino in Galleria at # 27 joins Milan bar 1930 (# 20) and Drink Kong Rome (# 19).
Sweden and Russia also have two bars each on the list, with Stockholm’s Tjoget at # 40 and Lucy’s Flower Shop entering as a new entry at # 35. St. Petersburg’s El Copitas has climbed 19 positions at # 35. No. 8, and the new Insider Bar, Moscow entry is at No. 13, winning the London Essence Best New Opening. La Petite Porte Rouge de France in Paris is once again claiming a place on the list in 29th place.
Photo credit: Connaught Bar
Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour received the Best Bar in North America award at # 6 on the list, and is joined by three other new entries from Mexico: Hanky Panky at # 12, Handshake Speakeasy at # 25 and Baltra Bar at no. 38.
New York has three bars in the world rankings with Katana Kitten climbing six places to No.10, Dante to No.30 and Attaboy to No.34. Miami is joining the line-up this year with Café La Trova, a new entry at n ° 28.
Photo credit: Connaught Bar
For the first time since 2010, an Indian bar returns to the ranking with Sidecar, New Delhi arriving in 47th place. Hong Kong’s Coa has moved up to 7th place and is Asia’s best bar, although Singapore has the most Asian representatives and more than any city in the world, with six bars on the list. Jigger & Pony is at # 9, Manhattan at # 15 and Atlas at # 16. There are two new Singaporean entrees with No Sleep Club at # 26 and MO Bar at # 36, and Tippling Club, Singapore is a re-entry at # 43.
Special prizes included the Los Angeles Thunderbolt’s nomination with the Campari to watch award, which is given to a bar outside the main roster that the Top 50 team believes have the ability to break through the rankings in future editions, so that French-born Remy Savage was named the Roku Industry Icon. For this award are invited all 600 members of the Academy to vote to nominate the person who has done more for the advancement of the bar industry than any other person. Savage is well regarded by drink connoisseurs for its extensive knowledge of cocktails and spirits. He is known worldwide for his craft, creativity and unique way of approaching the bar experience. Other special winners announced in the lead up to the event on December 7 include Guru Salmon, Madrid, who was named winner of the Michter Art of Hospitality Award and Lynnette Marrero Llama Inn, New York, winner of la Altos barmans Bartender price.
