…And the results are in!

On Thursday 8th October, Drinks International announced its highly anticipated World’s 50 Best Bars Awards 2015. For those of you not familiar with one of our favourite announcements of the year the bars are chosen by an Academy of over 400 members; the strongest, most diverse collection of industry experts ever assembled to express their view on the best bars in the world. So you know the list is good!

The list represents the ultimate guide to the top bars and drinking destinations around the globe, with restaurant bars, speakeasies, hotel bars, and tiki themed venues all contributing to the diverse and eclectic list. This year’s ranking includes bars from 27 cities in 19 countries, with 14 new entries. We’ll have our work cut out trying to get to them but do love a challenge so look out for reviews!

So what happened? Who Won?

London prevailed once again (hurray) to retain the Number One spot with Artesian taking the title of The World’s Best Bar for the fourth consecutive year. Located within The Langham Hotel, Artesian is headed up by Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale, who recently launched their show-stopping ‘Surrealism’ menu for 2015.

Last year’s top three remain unchanged; the Artesian’s fierce New York rivals Dead Rabbit remain at number two but crowned Botran Rum Best Bar In North America for the third consecutive year, and London’s Nightjar stays at number three.

The Savoy Hotel boasts two bars in the list: The American Bar and The Beaufort Bar. Two bars from rising star Ryan Chettiwardana Iain Griffiths are included in the list, Dandelyan at the Mondrian Hotel and White Lyan, a sign of global recognition of one of the most innovative bartenders in the world.

Whilst London leads the city rankings and claims the top spot, the US is home to the most bars in the list, showing their extensive cocktail heritage and buoyant contemporary cocktail scene. This year 14 bars are included and with two New York bars challenging in the top 10. Bars from San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, and Chicago follow New York’s lead to place the US as the Number One country in the list.

Elsewhere across the globe, the rise of cocktail culture shows no sign of ceasing with countries including Australia, Germany, Amsterdam, Mexico, Singapore, and Puerto Rico all with bars recognised in the awards.

So now you know. Get planning and raise a fine cocktail glass for us when you’re there!