Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award 2026
Giorgio Bargiani
The embodiment of Italian hospitality
For Giorgio Bargiani, hospitality is in the blood. His first steps into the world of service began in his hometown of Pisa, Italy, working the floor of his aunt's restaurant. Years later, he landed in the world of cocktail creation working behind the bar of a nightclub during his studies, where he felt an immediate affinity for the craft.
As his interest in the field continued to develop, he became fixated on London's hottest new hotel bar, blossoming under the leadership of fellow Italian Agostino Perrone. Upon its discovery, his vision became crystal-clear: move to London, get a job at Connaught Bar.
In 2014, that dream became a reality as Bargiani received a call from Perrone, flying to London on his day off and returning with a job offer. Packing his bags for the English capital, he kicked off his Connaught career the following month as a humble barback. But his charm and passion for storytelling quickly saw him climb up positions and become a cornerstone of the team that built Connaught Bar's reputation as a bucket list drinking destination, leading to it being named The World's Best Bar for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.
While many could see it as a challenge to work alongside and in the monumental shadow of Roku Industry Icon Award-winner Perrone, Bargiani has become an unstoppable force of hospitality in his own right working with – and uplifted by – his Italian compatriot. On any given day, visitors to the bar will regularly find the dynamic duo standing shoulder-to-shoulder, performing their signature long-poured martini ritual with infectious smiles across their faces.
Today, Bargiani stands as the bar's assistant director of mixology with a wealth of achievements under his belt. This includes his own Bar/Giani range of cocktail glasses, launched in 2025 in collaboration with Nude Glassware and available for both consumers and professionals – the collection includes a stunning martini glass, of course.
As one of Europe's most celebrated maestros, hospitality leaders and passionate storytellers, Bargiani's impact on the world of cocktails is recognised by his peers with the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award as part of Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026.
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