Top 500 Bars has unveiled its latest ranking, the 100 most influential bars in the world, and several Australian bars have made the list.
The list is compiled using data aggregated from over 2000 sources across the internet, and in more than 20 languages. The opinions of experts, journalists and influencers are used rankings, reviews on platforms, social media and search engines to complete the data set.
Top 500 Bars said: “For the last two years, it has been a rough one for many industries, especially hospitality and the people who work in it. Some bars are still temporarily closed and sadly others are or will be permanently closed. Digital is now more than ever, a core way to communicate and share when most people can’t travel easily. With this ranking, we help bartenders and customers discover bars wherever they visit.
“This year our ranking of 500 bars involves 113 different cities (compared to 105 last year), 53 different countries (52 last year), with new cities like Istanbul, Nha Trang and Syracuse.
“This year our Top 100 is different with 25 per cent of new bars compared to last year. But the same bar keeps the crown this year, The Connaught Bar, in London, is number one for the second year in a row.”
For the second year running Sydney’s Maybe Sammy has been crowned Australia’s most influential bar, ranking 14th overall, one spot higher than last year.
Co-owner Stefano Catino told Bars and Clubs: “I always say I never work for awards, but we receive one, when we are recognised it is a very big boost for the team. We are working very long hours at the moment and we’re short-staffed like the rest of the hospitality industry in Australia, so it does feel good and gives us a boost.”
He added: “I don’t know how long it will last [that we keeping winning awards] because I am sure one day somebody is going to take over. But we will always keep raising our standards and really strive to be a better version of ourselves. We have a new team behind the bar than when we opened and they are better than us. They are a better version of us, they are younger, they have new ideas and you have to let them shine, that’s the only reason for success.”
Black Pearl continues to be recognised as one of the best bars in the world, and comes out on top as Melbourne’s most influential bar, ranking 76 overall.
Owner Tash Conte told Bars and Clubs: “After Black Pearl serving this industry for 20 years next August, being voted in the top 100 of the Top 500 bars globally, is so overwhelming and greatly appreciated to say the least.
“Many people have their opinions on ‘lists’. We have been forever grateful for recognition of our team and their efforts. After the last two years we have all endured, it is welcomed with open arms.
“It gives us (small business) something to celebrate and hopefully generate new income with the light shining on a resurging industry. We are all far from surviving this pandemic. It will take years to pay back delayed rent and payment plans etc. But this, for now, allows us to stop for a minute and embrace the gratitude.
“There’s been lots of tears and emotions, but today they are both joyous. Thank you @top500 possums for the love and support.”
Melbourne’s The Everleigh was also named in the top 100, with co-owner Zara Madrusen telling Bars and Clubs: “We’re delighted to be named one of the top 100 bars in the world. The Everleigh is in her tenth year and we’re so excited to be able to celebrate this award with the doors flung open once more.
“We’ve worked hard to reach our guests during the pandemic with bottled cocktails shipping nationally and for our locals, cocktails to go from The Everleigh corner bar, but we’re relieved to be back doing what we do best, giving our guests world-class drinks and service inside that beautiful bar.
“Here’s to the next decade of The Everleigh.”
Re- was the only other Australian bar named in the top 100, coming in at 96.
The top 100 most influential bars are:
- Connaught Bar, London
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Atlas, Singapore
- Penicillin, Hong Kong
- The Clumsies, Athens
- Manhattan Bar, Singapore
- Side Hustle, London
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- 28 HongKong Street, Singapore
- Drink Kong, Rome
- Lyaness, London
- Bar BenFiddich, Tokyo
- Native, Singapore
- Maybe Sammy, Sydney
- Tayēr + Elementary, London
- Coa, Hong Kong
- The Old Man, Singapore
- Swift, London
- Floreria Atlantico, Buenos Aires
- Little Red Door, Paris
- Salmon Guru, Madrid
- Kwant, London
- Artesian, London
- Attaboy, New York
- Freni e Frizioni, Rome
- Himkok, Oslo
- Jerry Thomas, Rome
- Dukes Bar, London
- The Dead Rabbit, New York
- Licoreria Limantour, Mexico
- Scarfes Bar, London
- Dante, New York
- Baba au Rum, Athens
- 🔶🟥🔵, London
- Sidecar, Delhi
- SG Club, Tokyo
- Two Schmucks, Barcelona
- No Sleep Club, Singapore
- Three Sheets, London
- Mo Bar, Singapore
- Alquimico, Cartagena
- The Pontiac, Hong Kong
- Quinary, Hong Kong
- Tippling Club, Singapore
- Le Syndicat, Paris
- Oriole, London
- Mace, New York
- Hanky Panky, Mexico City
- The Court, Rome
- Danico, Paris
- SIPS, Barcelona
- Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
- The Old Man, Hong Kong
- Kol Mezcalería, London
- The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok
- Happiness Forgets, London
- Fifty Mils, Mexico City
- Leyenda, New York
- Elephant Room, Singapore
- La Factoria, San Juan
- Death & Co, New York
- Barbary Coast, Singapore
- Room by Le Kief, Taipei
- Employees Only, New York
- 1862 Dry Bar, Madrid
- El Copitas, St Petersburg
- Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen, Cape Town
- Indulge Bistro, Taipei
- 1930, Milan
- Katana Kitten, New York
- Donovan Bar, London
- Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou
- High Five, Tokyo
- BackDoor 43, Milan
- Charles H, Seoul
- Black Pearl, Melbourne
- Amor y Amargo, New York
- Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur
- Dr. Stravinsky, Barcelona
- Nightjar, London
- Boadas, Barcelona
- Presidente, Buenos Aires
- Angel’s Share, New York
- Flying Dutchmen Cocktails, Amsterdam
- The Wise King, Hong Kong
- The Everleigh, Melbourne
- Schofield’s Bar, Manchester
- Darkside at Rosewood, Hong Kong
- BKK Social Club, Bangkok
- Caprice Bar, Hong Kong
- Dead End Paradise, Beirut
- Super Lyan, Amsterdam
- Bisou, Paris
- Live Twice, Singapore
- CopperBay, Paris
- Re-, Sydney
- Rabbit Hole, Bangkok
- Speak Low, Shanghai
- Bar Raval, Toronto
- Ceresio 7, Milan
