The World’s Best Bar Awards voted London’s Connaught Bar, located in Mayfair’s opulent Connaught Hotel, the best bar anywhere in the globe for the second time in a row.
The swanky cocktail bar, where handcrafted drinks cost between £20 and £24, was praised for staying ‘true to its principles of presenting artful, modern drinks with graceful service’.
In second place was another London bar – Tayēr + Elementary – in Shoreditch. This bar took over from Dante in New York, which dropped to the 30th spot on the list.
While British bars took the top two spots they were almost absent from the rest of the top 50, only taking one more spot at number 31 for Kwānt in London’s Piccadilly.
These accolades were given out last night at a ceremony in London as part of Perrier’s World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 awards.
This award recognizes the achievements of all bars over the past year. It aims to motivate and support hospitality outlets in their next stage. There are 17 countries on the list.
The World’s Best Bar Awards has voted London’s Connaught Bar, located in Mayfair’s opulent Connaught Hotel, the top bar in the world. This is the second consecutive year.
For 2021, the 50 top bars worldwide
1. Connaught Bar in London, UK
2. Tayēr + Elementary, London, UK
3. Paradiso, Barcelona, Spain
4. Athens: Greece’s Clumsies
5. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires Argentina
6 Licorería Limantour, Mexico City Mexico
7. Coa. Hong Kong, China
8. El Copitas, St Petersburg, Russia
9. Jigger & Pony, Singapore, Singapore
10. Katana Kitten, New York, USA
11. Barcelona, Spain – Two Schmucks
12. Hanky Panky, Mexico City, Mexico
Moscow, Russia – 13. Insider Bar
14. Baba au Rum, Athens, Greece
15. Manhattan, Singapore, Singapore
16. Atlas, Singapore, Singapore
17. Zuma, Dubai, UAE
18. Tokyo, Japan – The SG Club
19. Drink Kong, Rome, Italy
20. 1930, Milan, Italy
21. Presidente, Buenos Aires, Argentina
22. Maybe Sammy. Sydney, Australia
23. Cantina OK! Sydney (Australia)
24. Madrid, Spain: Salmon Guru
25. Mexico City, Mexico, Handshake Speakeasy
26. No Sleep Club, Singapore, Singapore
27.Camparino in Galleria, Milan, Italy
28. Café La Trova, Miami, USA
29. Little Red Door Paris, France
30. Dante, New York,USA
31. Kwānt, London, UK
32. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan
33. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
34. Attaboy New York USA
35. Lucy’s Flower Shop in Stockholm, Sweden
36. MO Bar, Singapore, Singapore
37. Sips, Barcelona (Spanish)
38. Baltra Bar, Mexico City, Mexico
39. Sober Company Shanghai, China
40. Tjoget Stockholm, Sweden
41. Epic, Shanghai (China)
42. Charles H, Seoul, South Korea
43. Tippling Club, Singapore, Singapore
44. Above Board Melbourne, Australia
45. Galaxy Bar Dubai UAE
46. Re, Sydney (Australia)
47. Sidecar, New Delhi, India
48. Union Trading Company Shanghai China
49. DarkSide Hong Kong (China)
50.Quinary Hong Kong China
Speaking of Connaught, judges said: ‘Under the masterful leadership of Agostino Perrone, the venue’s Director of Mixology, Connaught Bar stays true to its principles of presenting artful, modern drinks with graceful service in an elegant setting.
“Designed by David Collins, this Cubist-inspired bar features a Martini trolley that bartenders customize for guests.
‘Perrone has developed a strong and dedicated leadership team including Head Mixologist Giorgio Bargiani and Bar Manager Maura Milia, who embody hospitality and drinks craft, as well as providing inspiration to a talented ensemble of junior bartenders who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
The Connaught Bar, located in London’s Mayfair District, is a swanky hotel. It is famous for its martini cart and consistently ranks among the top bars around the globe.
Cocktails cost between £20 and £24. Their signature Connaught martini is a classic aperitif, served with a unique twist, tailored to each customers individual taste with handmade bitters, made with Tanqueray No.10 Gin, blend of dry vermouths, selection of bitters.
Tayēr + Elementary, which was awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry last year when it placed No.5, takes the No.2 spot on this year’s list, showcasing the diversity of London’s bar scene.
In second place was another London bar – Tayēr + Elementary (pictured) – in Shoreditch. New York’s Dante fell to 30th place on the list.
While British bars took the top two spots they were almost absent from the rest of the top 50, only taking one more spot at number 31 for Kwānt in London’s Piccadilly.
Lab 22, a bar just above Greggs is admired for its artistry and sustainability. The Siete Misterios Best cocktail menu Award goes to Lab 22
In the top bar in Wales. Outside of the main list, UK wins Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu title. Cardiff’s Lab 22 was awarded the prize. All bars around the globe were eligible for this award, including those listed on the 50 best list.
Revealed: What the judges thought about the best bars in Britain
Connaught bar, London
Connaught Bar has been a success from its inception. It continues to improve every day. Although it is the most iconic London hotel bar, Connaught Bar has a distinctive Italian touch thanks to its elegant, sophisticated design and the guidance of Agostino and Giorgio Bargiani. The bar has a high standard of excellence, from the warm welcome at the entrance to the cubist-style decor by David Collins, through the attentive service and cocktail creations that blur the line between modernism and classicism.
The Dry Martini is its main act, according to its apostles. It arrives in a trolley which can be used as a stage or temporary set for you personal performances. 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. You can also take a look at Impressions from January 2022. It draws inspiration from our encounters. The Eclipse cocktail stands out – from the white page and the black tables. The Eclipse cocktail, inspired by photography’s contrast, is housed inside a stunning white glass that has been painted black so the liquid doesn’t fade. This gin cocktail leaves a lasting impression just as the Connaught.
Tayēr + Elementary, London
A venue of two parts, Elementary is the industrially styled space you first encounter: a casual all-day spot where cocktails are prepared in seconds, thanks to a draught system, while the bar’s own-label wine and beer are a frequent presence. While most visits start with the bar’s signature One Sip Martini, the menu here takes in other spins on familiar classics, with a weekly rotating menu in sync with the seasons and their bounty. Everything is served without garnish or affectation in identically squat glasses – here the deliciousness of the liquid does the talking.
Through the partition at Tayēr, the drinks are even more loquacious, with esoteric ingredients harnessed in a daily carousel of new recipes; always in step with the seasons and the kitchen’s latest creations. Be it here in Tayēr’s open kitchen-like theatre, or a fleeting drink in the bustling, bar industry-strewn Elementary, this is a venue through which the small details of the future of bartending have been foreseen – and forensically executed.
Lab 22, Cardiff
Lab 22, a humble bar located above a Greggs, has received praise for its ability to showcase artistry and sustainability as well as incredibly creative cocktails. Lab 22 is awarded the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. With each menu, this new establishment, located in Cardiff (the capital of Wales), UK is pushing the limits of mixology and design.
Lab 22’s recent edition takes cues from the future of science and invention. These cocktails are based on urban farming practices (Concrete Daisy makes use of rooftop honey) as well as marine exploration. Point Nemo’s cocktail is topped with salt-salted chocolate fish scales. Beautiful artwork is included on every page. You can also access additional information via the QR code, including the science behind each drink.
Lab 22’s ideological values: accessibility, transparency and community, are present throughout the menu. The text is available in both English and Welsh to accommodate its multilingual guests and the flavour combinations are explained in a ‘drop matrix’ in the centre of the menu, to aid drink decision-making. Every cocktail contains ingredients that are locally grown and sourced. The sharing drinks support selected charities such as Cardiff Foodbank, The Drinks Trust, and other funds.
Guests are also encouraged to support more of the city’s local businesses through the ‘decision tree’ flowchart at the denouement of the menu, which suggests where drinkers might want to head to next.
KWANT London
Descending the steps and opening the doors to Erik Lorincz’s Kwānt is to find yourself in a different time, a different place. It’s hard to put your finger on just when and where – there are brushstrokes of the 1940s classic Casablanca, but in the herringbone-patterned carpet, palms, rattan chairs and bamboo-styled ceilings are shades of tiki too.
It all comes together with the impeccable service of white-jacketed, bartenders: it is a 5-star tropical bar.
And the name Kwānt? It’s a derivative of ‘quaint’ and, in feel, decor, and the vintage spirits collection it is just that, though the cocktails have one foot in the past and one in the future.
Other than the main list of countries, the UK takes the title for Siete Misterios best cocktail menu, Cardiff’s Lab 22 being the recipient.
This award is available to anyone in the world.
The unassuming bar – above a Gregg’s – serves the likes of Carbon Cooler (Reyka Vodka, Cacao Blanc, Mint³, Reclaimed Citrus, Soda), Casual Loop (Hendricks Gin, Pressed Watermelon, Bandarra Rose, Soda) and a Make Me Famous (Tanqueray Gin, Passionfruit Wine Vanilla, Disco Dust).
London is the leader, but Spain takes second place with four bars from 17 in Europe. This includes Barcelona’s Paradiso, No. 3., followed by Two Schmucks which rose 15 spots to No. 11.
Paradiso Barcelona in Spain, was number 43 in the ranking and the best bar in Spain
Athens’ Clumsies was the best bar in Greece, and fourth in the entire world.
Mark Sansom, Content Editor for The World’s 50 Best Bars, told FEMAIL: ‘Connaught Bar, we salute you – to be named The World’s Best Bar for two consecutive years is a feat that previously only two bars have achieved in the awards’ 13-year history. The Martini Cocktail’s modernization is proof of Ago Perrone’s and his team’s dedication to excellence.
“We want to also send huge congratulations all venues that are on The World’s Best 50 Bars 2021 List. This has been an extremely difficult year for hospitality. The industry’s strength through all of this is inspiring. The positive stories surrounding the success of the bars in these awards should help drive business growth in the coming weeks and months.
Elisa Gregori, Perrier International Business Unit Director, says: ‘On behalf of Perrier – and as the leading partner of The World’s 50 Best Bars since 2014 – we feel proud of the strong collaboration and solidarity we share with the international bar community. We are proud, just like last year to express our gratitude to the many bars who made it to the top despite the difficult and uncertain times.
The number five best bar in the world went to Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires Argentina
Licorería Limantour in Mexico City, Mexico came top in Mexico and number six in the world
“Even though there is still a pandemic affecting the hospitality sector, the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience over the last months and learned how to adapt to local conditions. These turbulent times are not ours to conquer and we remain here to support you as the international bar community grows stronger.
To adapt to the effects of the pandemic on bars all over the globe, the World’s 50 Best Bars has made several changes for 2021. The voting requirements and guidelines were revised to take into account the limited travel possibilities in 2021 and 2020.
The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy members’ bar experiences over a period of voting between March 2020 and September 2021 are the basis for this list.
The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy was not allowed to cast international votes this year. But, members who had the opportunity to travel abroad were encouraged to let these experiences inform their voting choices. They were also asked to rank 7 bars.
The voting process is anonymous and secured. Results are also independently adjudicated and approved by Deloitte.
These are the top 100 UK restaurants in 2021
OpenTable, the leading online restaurant reservation service in the world, has released their annual top 100 UK restaurants list. The ranking is based upon nearly one million verified reviews. There are many cuisines to choose from in the UK. These include Preuvian restaurants COYA Mayfair and Sohe in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Robin Chiang (VP OpenTable) commented that despite a one-year hiatus from our Top 100 List, it was a pleasure to share once more a list of diners’ favourite restaurants. This showcases the incredible breadth and variety of eating experiences in the UK.
OpenTable’s reviews feature allows customers to share their experiences and helps others find great restaurants. London’s amazing selection of restaurants was still available in 2021, and the list clearly shows the affection diners feel for the local hotspots.
ALPHABETICAL ORDER: BEST RESTAURANTS IN UNITED KINGDOM
| Restaurant |
Restaurant Cuisine |
Localization |
| 215 Kitchen & Drinks |
Modern British |
Oxford |
| Afternoon Tea at Mad Dogs & Englishmen |
English |
Leigh-on-Sea |
| Andrew Edmunds |
Modern European |
London |
| Berts Jazz Bar |
Bistro |
Belfast |
| BEZA ETHIOPIAN VEGAN RESTAURANT |
Ethiopian |
London |
| Bistro Union |
British |
London |
| Blacklock City |
Steak |
London |
| Blacklock Shoreditch |
Steak |
London |
| Brawn |
European |
London |
| Bright |
Modern European |
London |
| Bucks Bar |
American |
Glasgow |
| Burnt Truffle |
Bistro |
Heswall |
| Cafe 1. |
Scottish |
Inverness |
| Cambio de Tercio |
Spanish |
London |
| Casa italia |
Pizzeria |
Liverpool |
| Cecconi’s |
Italian |
London |
| Cento Uno |
Pizzeria |
Surbiton |
| Chakana |
Peruvian |
Birmingham |
| CHIMICHURRIS |
Argentinian |
London |
| Churrasco Steakhouse |
Steakhouse |
Liverpool |
| Claude Bosi at Bibendum |
French |
London |
| Clipstone |
Modern European |
London |
| Coal Office |
Mediterranean |
London |
| Clare Smyth’s CORE |
British |
London |
| COYA Mayfair |
Peruvian |
London |
| Cub Mayfair |
Japanese |
London |
| CUT 45 Park Lane |
Steak |
London |
| Daphne’s |
Italian |
London |
| Dean Street Townhouse |
British |
London |
| Dinners SW3 |
Japanese |
London |
| El Bar de Tapas |
Spanish |
Hertfordshire |
| Fig & Thistle Bistro |
International |
Inverness |
| Frederick’s |
British |
London |
| Handling Frogs by Adam |
British |
London |
| Gold Notting Hill |
European |
London |
| Wandsworth Common, Good Earth |
Chinese |
London |
| HarryÕs Dolce Vita |
Italian |
London |
| Harry’s Restaurant |
Comfort Food |
Exeter |
| Harwood Arms |
Gastro Pub |
London |
| Hawksmoor Air Street |
Steakhouse |
London |
| Hawksmoor Borough |
Steakhouse |
London |
| Hawksmoor Guildhall |
Steakhouse |
London |
| Hawksmoor Knightsbridge |
Steakhouse |
London |
| Hawksmoor Manchester |
Steakhouse |
Manchester |
| Hawksmoor Seven Dials |
Steakhouse |
London |
| Hawksmoor Spitalfields |
British |
London |
| Hispi |
Bistro |
Manchester |
| Il Portico |
Italian |
London |
| Ivy Asia, Spinningfields |
Modern Asian |
Manchester |
| Jolene Bakery |
British |
London |
| Kala |
Bistro |
Manchester |
| Medlar |
Modern European |
London |
| Mere |
European |
London |
| Mandarin of Michael Wan |
Chinese |
Blackpool |
| Michael Wan’s Wok Inn |
Pan-Asian |
Blackpool |
| Minster Inn |
Pizza Bar |
York |
| Morso Kensal Rise |
Italian |
London |
| No. 97 |
Modern European |
Surbiton |
| No. 11 Market Place |
Tex-Mex |
Whitehaven |
| Odette’s restaurant |
British |
London |
| Ognisko |
Polish |
London |
| One one four |
Modern European |
Teddington |
| Peace and Loaf Restaurant |
British |
Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Perilla |
Modern European |
London |
| Petrus Ñ Gordon Ramsay |
French |
London |
| Pia |
Mexican |
Sheffield |
| Pinion |
Bistro |
Prescot |
| Saltwater Fish Company |
Seafood |
Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Scott’s restaurant |
Seafood |
London |
| Skyline Lounge |
Scottish |
Edinburgh |
| Smiths Restaurant Wapping |
Seafood |
London |
| Sohe |
Pan-Asian |
Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Sotirio’s bar and restaurant |
International |
Folkestone |
| St. John |
British |
London |
| St. John Bread and Wine |
British |
London |
| Sticky walnut |
Bistro |
Chester |
| Stones Restaurant Matlock |
British |
Matlock |
| Sushi Murasaki |
Sushi |
London |
| Tanakatsu |
Japanese |
London |
| The Atlas Pub |
Gastro Pub |
London |
| Britannia Richmond |
Gastro Pub |
Richmond |
| Broad Chare |
British |
Newcastle upon Tyne |
| The Elephant Restaurant |
Modern European |
Torquay |
| The Fox & Hounds |
Gastro Pub |
London |
| The Fox & Pheasant |
Gastro Pub |
London |
| French Table |
Modern European |
Surbiton |
| The Greyhound Pub & Dining |
British |
Beaconsfield |
| The Melusine |
Seafood |
London |
| Matfield’s Poet |
British |
Matfield |
| Quality Chop House |
British |
London |
| The Refuge’s Restaurant |
Global and International |
Manchester |
| The Swan Pub |
Gastro Pub |
London |
| Beverley, The Westwood Restaurant |
English |
Beverley |
| The White Onion |
French |
London |
| Wolseley |
European |
London |
| Trinity |
European |
London |
| Westerns Laundry |
Modern European |
London |
| Wreckfish |
Bistro |
Liverpool |
| Zafferano Restaurant |
Italian |
London |
| Zaks – Mousehold |
American |
Norwich |
|
|
|
|
