Frequently Asked Questions

Why have you chosen to launch Europe's 50 Best Bars?

Europe has long been home to some of the most influential cocktail cultures in the world, with bars that consistently push boundaries in technique, creativity and hospitality. By launching Europe's 50 Best Bars, 50 Best aims to shine a brighter light on the exceptional talent, innovation and diversity found across the continent. The list provides a dedicated platform to celebrate Europe's leading bar experiences and offers greater visibility to both emerging and established venues.

Why have you decided to launch Europe's 50 Best Bars now?

As Europe's bar communities continue to evolve at pace, we see an exciting opportunity to spotlight the region through its own dedicated list and awards programme. Building on the success of our existing bar rankings, the timing feels right to recognise Europe's extraordinary contribution to global cocktail culture and to engage more deeply with bar teams and guests across the region.

When and where will the inaugural awards take place?

We are not yet in a position to disclose details of the inaugural ceremony's date and location. Stay tuned and follow 50 Best's social channels for the latest announcements.

What does the event programme look like?

Europe's 50 Best Bars will span several days of celebrations. Starting with the much-loved Bartenders' Feast, held on the night prior to the awards ceremony to honour the talented individuals whose bars feature in this inaugural ranking. The highly anticipated list of Europe's 50 Best Bars will then be revealed at a grand awards ceremony, complete with red-carpet arrivals and a drinks reception before the live countdown. The evening will conclude with the announcement of a series of special awards recognising both individuals and venues, culminating in the presentation of the coveted title: The Best Bar in Europe 2026.

How will Europe's 50 Best Bars be different to other 'Best Bars' list?

Europe's 50 Best Bars will spotlight and celebrate the creativity and excellence found across the continent's most remarkable drinking destinations. With an exclusive focus on Europe's bar landscape, it will be a guide allowing for a deeper, more nuanced exploration of the region's diverse offerings including emerging destinations across the continent. Curated by a trusted and knowledgeable voting Academy, it will provide the most expert-curated guide to exceptional bar experiences across Europe.

Will there be individual awards announced in advance of the 1-50 list like you do for the other Bars awards?

Yes. A series of special awards will be announced in the lead-up to the ceremony, ahead of the reveal of the full 1-50 list. Additional individual awards will also be presented during the ceremony itself.

Will there be a 51-100 list for this first edition?

The awards will focus exclusively on celebrating Europe's 50 Best Bars, and therefore the inaugural edition will not include an extended 51-100 list.

How does publishing a list help the bars?

Europe's 50 Best Bars aims to support and celebrate the European bar scene, both from established and emerging destinations. The announcement highlights bars providing memorable experiences and shines a spotlight on their creativity and excellence. Beyond recognition, being featured can provide an economic boost by attracting guests, driving footfall and celebrating the hard work and dedication of the teams behind these outstanding venues.

What does it mean to be included in the Europe's 50 Best Bars ranking?

It provides recognition of the dedication, passion and skill of the teams behind bars whilst promoting establishments internationally to those travelling to Europe by boosting the bars' profiles and business, ultimately driving footfall.

What steps can a bar take to be featured in Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026 list?

The ranking provides an annual snapshot of the opinions and experiences of our expert voters. Therefore, if guests have been experiencing the outstanding characteristics of your bar it will be reflected in future results. What constitutes 'best' is up to each voter to decide – as everyone's tastes are different, so is everyone's idea of what constitutes a great cocktail experience. Bars do not have to fit certain criteria or stock certain product. We therefore urge bars simply to be the best they can be for their customers first and foremost and not to focus on such rankings or awards, but to see them as a welcome by-product of their hard work and talent.

What does 'best' actually mean?

'Best' is defined by each individual voter. Tastes vary, and so do ideas of what makes a memorable cocktail or an exceptional bar experience. We deliberately set no fixed criteria: we do not believe there is, nor should there be, one specific type of bar that fits a 50 Best list. The strength of Europe's 50 Best Bars lies in its diversity, the different styles, different atmospheres, and different experiences. Each voter decides which bars represented their most outstanding experiences during the voting period, based on their own expertise and personal judgement. We simply collate their selections to produce the final list.