Image Credit: Employees Only cnn.com
For the first time ever, Singapore has been chosen to host the inaugural awards ceremony of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
The third annual edition of the much-awaited list will be announced on 3rd May 2018 at the Capitol Theatre amongst a glittering audience consisting of Asia’s top bartenders, the who’s-who of bar owners, industry figures and international media.
The choice is a natural one as the city’s vibrant nightlife has been stealing the limelight in recent years. From speakeasy pubs to upscale rooftop lounges, riverside alfresco wine bars to classy whiskey rooms, Singapore is home to one of the most exciting bar scenes in the world.
The awards ceremony will be followed by a post-awards party at an undisclosed location, possibly Manhattan, which bagged the #1 slot last year, or perhaps even 28 Hong Kong Street which followed close behind at #4. The festivities will continue for another 10 days with the Singapore Cocktail Festival, Asia’s largest celebration of cocktails, from 4-13 May and an invite-only edition of #50BestTalks on 4 May 2018. The discussion forum brings together industry talent and media to exchange views on trends and factors influencing this ever-changing landscape.
Asia’s 50 Best Bars list was introduced three years ago as an extension of The World’s 50 Best Bars when many Asian bars began featuring at prime slots in the world list. Last year, Asian bars grabbed as many as 12 entries in the World’s 50 Best Bars list. This is no mean task as the selection process is rigorous with a jury comprising of 200 experts from Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy. Each member must vote for seven bars based on their experiences over the last 18 months. To ensure neutrality, atleast three votes must go to establishments outside their country of residence.
With 13 entries in last year’s list including the coveted #1 position, Singapore overtook Hong Kong as Asia’s nightlife capital. The winners were an interesting mix of exclusive lounges like Manhattan (#1), tiny waterholes featuring only a handful of cocktails like Native (#20), a rum bar like Sugarhall (#38) and speakeasy bars imported from New York like Employees Only (#17). This was a remarkable step up from 2016, the first edition of the list, where Singapore and Hong Kong both tied-in with nine entries each. With the awards ceremony being held in the city, Singapore’s bars promise to sweep the list this time around too.
So, how did it all begin? The story started in 2002 with the launch of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, which has since grown into the most important international dining guide in the world and a hugely influential voice in gastronomy. In 2009, The World’s 50 Best Bars list was created, with an annual awards ceremony launched in 2012. Asia’s 50 Best Bars was added to the portfolio in 2016. The 50 Best brand now champions a global community of bartenders and chefs, cocktail aficionados and gourmets, who travel the globe to explore and experience the only worldwide ranking for premium drinking and dining. Beyond lists, 50 Best showcases leading trends and highlights upcoming food and drink destinations.
