The results are in and the world’s best bar for 2021 is, well, you’ll have read on to find out – but know that the esteemed establishment bagged best in class on the 13th annual list (sponsored by Perrier) which this year spans 17 countries and features 18 new entries spread across Australia, India, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, China, and the UAE.
Drum roll: For the second consecutive year, the Connaught Bar in London was crowned No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars list, announced earlier this month at a live awards ceremony in the UK capital. Being The World’s Best Bar, it follows that the Connaught was also named Best Bar in Europe.
Located in the prestigious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, the swank venue has catered to a glamorous crowd, including Royals, since opening in 2008.
Judged by 500 industry experts, the the Cubist-inspired bar is celebrated for its “artful, modern drinks with graceful service in an elegant setting,” and is known for its unique Martini trolley, where bartenders give a highly personalised drinks experience to guests.
Says W50BB: “A triumph from the start, Connaught Bar still manages to edge closer to perfection every time its doors open. It is the quintessential London hotel bar, but in its poise, elegance and the leadership of Agostino Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani, and Maura Milia, it has a distinct Italian accent. From the welcome on entrance and the backdrop of gleaming David Collins-designed cubist decor, to the intuitive service and cocktails that run a delicate line between classicism and modernism, this is a bar for which excellence has become a bare minimum standard.
“To its apostles, the headline act is the Dry Martini, which arrives via a trolley that becomes a temporary stage for your own personal performance. Thrown between shaker and mixing glass is your choice of gin – try the bar’s own, distilled at the hotel – and bitters from an aroma-daubed flavour card inspired by perfumeries. But from January 2022, do also have a leaf through the new menu, Impressions, which takes inspiration from the encounters that shape our experiences. The Eclipse cocktail stands out – from the white page and the black tables. Inspired by contrast in photography, this gin cocktail is housed in a striking white glass, painted black on the inside so the liquid fades to nothing. Just as the Connaught Bar, it leaves a lasting impression.”
The rest of the top five bars includes fellow London destination Tayēr + Elementary (No. 2), rising star Paradiso in Barcelona (No. 3), Athens favourite The Clumsies (No. 4) and the acclaimed Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires (No. 5).
Other highlights from the list, include:
• French-born cocktail innovator Remy Savage is honoured as Roku Industry Icon
• Thunderbolt, Los Angeles, is named Campari One To Watch
• Re, Sydney, earns Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
• Lab 22, Cardiff, takes the inaugural Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu title
• Hanky Panky, Mexico City, wins the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, debuting at No. 12
• Presidente, Buenos Aires, secures Nikka Highest Climber Award, moving up 29 places
• Insider Bar, Moscow, wins London Essence Best New Opening
• Attaboy, New York, clinches Rémy Martin Legend of The List title
The full list – spoiler alert: there are no Canadian entries – can be viewed HERE.
With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:
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