The list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, sponsored by Perrier, was announced on 7th December as part of a glamorous ceremony in London where over 600 of the global bar community reunited for the first time since 2019.
The 13th edition of the list highlighted more bars than ever before, featuring venues from 17 countries with 18 new entries spread across Australia, India, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, China and the UAE. Announced the week prior to the ceremony, the extended 51-100 list showcased similar diversity, highlighting a record-breaking 26 new entries.
Here are the locations you need to be aware of as you make travel plans for 2022 and beyond
The widest ranging 51-100 list ever
To whet your appetite and to start earmarking locations, check out the 51-100 list, which was revealed on 2nd December:
Singapore wins big and Asia has a record showing
Boasting more bars on the list than any other city in the world with a total of six, Singapore has announced itself as the ultimate destination for a quality bar crawl. Jigger & Pony leads the way at No.9, followed by Manhattan at No.15 and Atlas at No.16. No Sleep Club at No.26 and MO Bar at No.36 are both new entries to the list, and Tippling Club is a re-entry at No.43.
Hong Kong’s Coa climbed to No.7 and was named The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Torres Brandy. The city is represented by three bars this year, with Darkside a new entry at No.49 and Quinary re-entering the ranking at No.50, alongside the award-winning Coa. In Mainland China, Shanghai’s Sober Company is at No.39, while Epic and Union Trading Company are both new entries at No.41 and No.48 respectively – Shanghai should be high up on any discerning drinker’s list when flight restrictions ease once more.
Coa, in Hong Kong, China, was named The Best Bar in Asia 2021, sponsored by Torres Brandy
Japan claims two spots, with Tokyo bars SG Club at No.18 and Bar Benfiddich at No.32, while South Korea’s Seoul bar Charles H climbs seven places to No.42. For the first time since 2010, an Indian bar returns to the ranking with Sidecar in New Delhi coming in at No.47.
London on top of the world and Spain leads Europe
The UK capital secured both first and second spots on the list, with Mayfair’s Connaught Bar being named The World’s Best Bar and The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Perrier, for the second consecutive year. Tayēr + Elementary placed at No.2 and the city’s third bar in the list is Kwānt at No.31 – the latter has been unable to reopen since the second UK lockdown in 2021, although it was open for the first half of the voting period. It will re-open its reservations diary to guests in January 2022, so keep an eye out from this point forward. However, London’s overall showing decreased since last year, where it had six bars on the list.
Spain revealed itself as the top place to drink in Europe, with four bars on the 50 Best list. Barcelona’s Paradiso claimed No.3 position, followed by Two Schmucks, which climbed 15 places to No.11. Salmon Guru, Madrid, came in at No.24 and was the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. Sips, Barcelona, was a new entry for Spain at No.37.
Diego Cabrera and his team at Salmon Guru were awarded the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award 2021
The historic lands of Greece claimed two spots on the list, with Athens bars The Clumsies and Baba au Rum at No.4 and No.14 respectively. Italy continues its renaissance with three bars as Milan’s new entry Camparino in Galleria at No.27 joins fellow Milanese bar 1930 (No.20) and Rome’s Drink Kong (No.19).
Sweden and Russia also have two bars each on the list – both representing their country’s best-ever showing – with Stockholm’s Tjoget at No.40 and Lucy’s Flower Shop coming in as a new entry at No.35. St Petersburg’s El Copitas has climbed 19 positions to No.8, and new entry Insider Bar, Moscow, is at No.13, winning the London Essence Best New Opening Award in the process. France’s Little Red Door in Paris again claims a spot on the list at No.29.
One of Tjoget's signature serves, Beets. The Stockholm-based bar placed at No.40
Mexico takes America by storm
Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour is The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Naked Malt, at No.6 on the list, and is joined by three other new entries from the capital: Hanky Panky at No.12, which is also the Disaronno Highest New Entry for 2021; Handshake Speakeasy at No.25; and Baltra Bar at No.38. The Mexican contingent were out in force in London and kept the party going for days after the event, before bringing their spoils back home to await international bar travellers to flock to Mexico City.
New York boasts three bars on the global ranking with Katana Kitten climbing six spots to No.10, joined by Dante at No.30 and Attaboy at No.34, the latter also clinching the Rémy Martin Legend of The List Award for its continued success in the ranking. Miami re-joins the line-up this year with Café La Trova, a new entry at No.28.
Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, was named The Best Bar in South America, sponsored by Tia Maria, and claims the No.5 spot. Also representing Buenos Aires is Presidente at No.21, which collects the Nikka Highest Climber Award after rising 29 places this year, and Tres Monos, a new entry at No.33.
The Nikka Highest Climber Award 2021 was collected by the Buenos Aires bar, Presidente
Australia stays strong and the Middle East makes a splash
Sydney has three bars on the list, with Maybe Sammy at No.22 picking up the title for The Best Bar in Australasia, sponsored by Asahi Super Dry. Cantina OK! is at No.23 and there is a new entry in Re at No.46, which also collects the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award after an audit by 50 Best’s sustainability partner, Food Made Good.
The Maybe Sammy team from Sydney, Australia, who won The Best Bar in Australasia, sponsored by Asahi Super Dry
Another new entry for Australia is Above Board, Melbourne, at No.44. Above Board’s co-owner Manu Patoi made the longest journey of anyone to attend the event in London – his travel took him three days and he says that he does not regret one moment of it.
From the UAE, Dubai’s Zuma is once again crowned The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa, sponsored by Bellino, and is ranked No.17. Dubai also has a new entry this year with Galaxy Bar at No.45, which completes its ascension to the list after being named Campari One To Watch last year.
Review the full list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 in the video:
The 13th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars was announced on Tuesday, 7th December 2021 at a live awards ceremony in London. To stay up to date with all news and announcements, browse the website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
