A great bar is so much more than its drinks menu – its success also comes down to the service, the space and the atmosphere.
Handily, the aptly named website Top 500 Bars has produced its annual roundup of – you guessed it – the planet’s best watering holes. Its algorithm is based on ‘thousands of data (rankings, publications, platforms and others) in over 20 languages’.
So, which spot, based on their research, has claimed that coveted crown?
Bar Leone, a Hong Kong bar inspired by traditional neighbourhood bars in Rome, is the world’s best bar this year. Sound familiar? Well, given Top 500 Bar’s algorithm analysis, it’s no surprise this place has ranked so well. It was one of the top spots named in the recent Spirited Awards, and was the first-place winner in last year’s global roundup according to The 50, too.
‘Bar Leone is heavily influenced by Rome, and in particular Trastevere, one of its most historic neighbourhoods, where Lorenzo [Antinori] was raised,’ reads the Top 500 Bars article. ‘Bar Leone is a bar that celebrates community and the love of classic cocktails, or as we call them, ‘cocktail popolari’, referring not only to their role in popular culture but also to their approachable DNA and beautiful simplicity.’
This is far from the only Hong Kong spot on the list, with Montana claiming third place and ARGO ranking in 24th.
Second place went to HIMKOK, a cocktail bar in Oslo which apparently combines Scandinavian flavours and a clever use of modern tech to create contemporary versions of classics. Scroll on for the top 25, including spots in Athens, Cartagena, Singapore, Paris, and São Paulo.
The 25 best bars in the world, according to Top 500 Bars
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- HIMKOK, Oslo
- Montana, Hong Kong
- Alquímico, Cartagena
- Line, Athens
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
- Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou
- Moebius, Milan
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- Connaught Bar, London
- SIPS, Barcelona
- Locale Firenze, Florence
- Angelita, Madrid
- De Vie, Paris
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Bar Us, Bangkok
- Danico, Paris
- Lyaness, London
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
- The Cambridge Public House, Paris
- Bar Mauro, Mexico City
- Eximia, São Paulo
- ARGO, Hong Kong
- Lady Bee, Lima
Thirsty for more? Check out the full ranking on Top 500 Bar’s official website.
ICYMI: The bars not to miss in the world’s best cities, according to editors.
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