50 Best will be returning in physical form for the ceremony of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, sponsored by Perrier, on 7th December 2021. The event and list announcement – hosted live in London and shared digitally across the globe – will mark a key milestone in the recovery of the bar sector. Discover the definitive what, why, where and how
Watch the LIVE ceremony of The World's 50 Best Bars directly on Facebook and YouTube from 8.15pm GMT on 7th Decmber
What. A. Year. Or, more accurately, what a 19 months. There’s no doubt that recent times have been incredibly difficult for everyone, in life and in business, but now is the time to start building for the future and to create some positive stories for the bar community and for cocktails lovers across the globe.
Returning to a physical event after a virtual awards in 2020 – during which 50 Best devoted its resources to its 50 Best for Recovery fundraising project – the cocktail world will come together in person at a Covid-secure ceremony on 7th December 2021 in London, UK. Here is everything that you need to know…
The winners from The World's 50 Best Bars 2019 gather on stage for the traditional group shop
What’s the plan?
On 7th December the 2021 list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, will be revealed in a live countdown as part of an awards-packed ceremony conducted in London. The ranking and special awards will be revealed simultaneously across 50 Best’s digital channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
The ceremony will mark the culmination of two days of events, including a Bartenders’ Feast on 6th December and a broadcast of bartender discussion series Breaking The Ice, which premiered as part of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021 awards programme. Key moments will also be accessible via digital media to ensure all those unable to join in person do not miss out.
Get a taste of the action with the highlights from The World's 50 Best Bars 2019:
In the weeks preceding the awards, there will be three special award announcements:
- 18th November – Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. This award is voted for by all members of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, who are each asked to name the bar where they received the single best hospitality experience during the voting period
- 25th November – Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. This award is voted for by the bartenders behind those bars on this year’s list, who are asked to name a peer who has done more to further the craft of bartending than any other, with reference to their work throughout the pandemic
- 2nd December – The extended 51-100 list Award. Five days before the virtual awards ceremony, 50 Best will reveal those bars ranked between 51st and 100th in the world across its digital channels
Where are the awards going to be?
The ceremony will take place at north London’s iconic Roundhouse venue. 50 Best has hosted the ceremony there for the past two live editions and will work with the team on the ground to ensure a Covid-safe environment in full compliance with UK government rules. All ranked bars, key global media and bar experts will be invited to attend, but the ceremony will also be broadcast online for those who are unable to travel to the UK for the event.
London's Roundhouse, again the venue for the ceremony of The World's 50 Best Bars 2021
What’s new this year?
There is an exciting new award for 2021: the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu, which is designed to reward innovation, design, drinks craft and communication. The award is open to all bars across the globe and will involve the submission of a current menu and supporting materials. Details on how to enter will be announced on The World’s 50 Best Bars website and social channels on 15th July.
Why produce a list and awards ceremony when the pandemic is not over?
We believe 50 Best’s role in promoting bars is more important than ever – and that we can best support global recovery by inspiring people to return to their beloved bars and discover new favourites. Ultimately, the list serves as an economic stimulus for those bars featured by helping drive business into their establishments and helping restore confidence in the hospitality sector as a whole.
The presentation of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, along with the accompanying list of those ranked from 51st to 100th, will also provide a diverse range of inspiring destinations to help shape bar-focussed travel plans as flight routes re-open.
The event programme will also allow the global bar community to reconnect in person, share experiences, celebrate resilience and reward brilliance. We are under no illusions about the restrictions that bars and their guests still face in many parts of the world, but we aim to move forward in as positive a manner as possible.
Maura Milia, Agostino Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani from Connaught Bar celebrate winning The World's Best Bar Award after the virtual ceremony in 2020
How is the voting arranged, given the lack of international travel throughout the pandemic?
This year, the 540-strong Academy whose votes compile the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars will be refreshed by 25% and will again be 50/50 gender balanced. In a change for 2021 and to reflect the lack of travel opportunities afforded to voters in the past 18 months, there is no requirement for Academy members to cast international votes.
Erik Lorincz and Marcio Silva celebrate their positions at The World's 50 Best Bars 2019
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