Pasir Panjang Power Station in Singapore was lit by the lights of The World's 50 Best Bars, an annual bar listing. This is Asia's first time hosting The World's 50 Best Bars announcement ceremony. Bartenders from all over the world travelled to Singapore to celebrate the growth of the world's bar industry and strengthen their bond within the community. This year, Sips from Barcelona, created by the creative duo Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez, took the crown as The Best Bar in Europe 2023 and the number 1 bar of The World's 50 Best Bars 2023, sponsored by Perrier.
Located in Barcelona's L'Antiga Esquerra de l'Eixample district, Sips is a stylish and modern bar that combines a classy design with state-of-the-art techniques to offer a fun and unpretentious drinking experience. The founders, with impressive track records in the industry, bring their disruptive approach to mixology to create innovative and high-quality drinks accessible to everyone. With their background in renowned establishments such as London's Artesian bar and Ferran and Albert Adrià's elBarri restaurant group, they offer a range of creative and sophisticated cocktails at affordable prices.
Apart from Sips taking the crown in The World's 50 Best Bars this year, these are the top 10 bars on the list. Number 2 on the list is the New York bar Double Chicken Please. Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City took its spot at number 3.
Last year bar number one, Paradiso - also from Barcelona, dropped three spots at number 4 this year, and The Best Bars in 2021, Connaught Bar, landed on the list at number 5. The renowned bar in Paris, Little Red Door, was ranked 6th in the list.
Mexico City's Licorería Limantour got its place at number 7. Tayēr + Elementary in London settled at number 8. From Colombia, Alquímico climbed to 9th place on the list. 10th place and the Nikka Highest Climber Award belong to Himkok in Oslo.
Although no bar in Asia made it to the top 10, however, the bars in this region are inching. BBKK Social Club, located in Bangkok, is The Best Bar in Asia and holds 13th place on the list. Meanwhile, Jigger & Pony in Singapore took the 14th spot. Zest, a newcomer from Seoul, made an impressive entry at number 18 and even won the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award this year.
Bangkok's Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar also made it to the list, ranking at number 19. Representing Hong Kong, Coa took the 20th spot. Other notable mentions include Sago House at number 32, Argo at number 34, The SG Club in Tokyo making a re-entry at number 36, and neighbour Bar Benfiddich has been placed at number 37. Atlas also re-entered the list at number 48.
Here are the most notable individual awards for 2023, which recognise the best bars and bartenders from around the world:
The Michter's Art of Hospitality Award, given to the bar that provides the best customer service and experience, was won by Tres Monos in Buenos Aires. This highly coveted award recognises the bar's dedication to creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for its customers.
Lady Bee in Lima won the Campari One To Watch award, which acknowledges an up-and-coming bar outside of the top 50 ranking that has the potential to be included in future editions of the list. This award recognises the bar's potential to become a major player in the industry and make a name for itself.
Night Hawk in Singapore won the inaugural Bareksten Best Bar Design Award, recognising the bar's best interior design and atmosphere. This award acknowledges the bar's commitment to creating a unique and memorable customer experience.
The American Bar at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland, was awarded the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award for its Book of Berries menu, showcasing an impressive variety of cocktails. This award recognises the bar's dedication to creating innovative and delicious cocktails that keep customers coming back.
Renato 'Tato' Giovannoni was voted the Roku Industry Icon for his multi-award winning Florería Atlántico bar in Buenos Aires. This award recognises Renato's outstanding contributions to the industry and his commitment to creating a world-class bar experience.
Line in Athens was named the London Essence Best New Opening, recognising the best new bar opened in the past year. This award acknowledges the bar's potential to become a major player in the industry and make a name for itself.
Röda Huset in Stockholm won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, which acknowledges the bar's strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. This award recognises the bar's dedication to reducing its environmental impact and creating a sustainable future.
The Clumsies in Athens received the Rémy Martin Legend of the List award for its consistent performance on the list since its inception. This award recognises the bar's consistent excellence in providing a world-class bar experience to its customers.
GN Chan won the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award, voted on by bartenders worldwide and recognises the best bartender in the industry. This award acknowledges GN Chan's exceptional talent and skill in creating delicious and innovative cocktails.
Finally, The 50 Best Bars The Blend Scholarship winner is Apoorva Kohli of Sidecar in New Delhi. This scholarship is awarded to bartenders who show exceptional talent and potential in the industry, and it provides them with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.
Congratulations to all the bars on the list and the winners on their outstanding achievements!