Melbourne’s iconic cocktail bar Black Pearl has taken out the Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar Award at the Spirited Awards in New Orleans.
Awarded to the bar’s upstairs venue, known as The Attic, members of the Black Pearl team, including Fred Siggins, were on hand to accept the award, which was presented at a ceremony during the Tales of the Cocktail event in the US.
The Spirited Awards are arguably the most high profile bar awards in the world, with over 2000 venues and bartenders from around the world nominated for awards.
Owner Tash Conte was understandably elated, taking to social media to thank her staff and her patrons.
“A little bar in Fitzroy Melbourne called Black Pearl / the Attic just won Best international High Volume Cocktail bar at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans! 10 crazy talented bartenders that work here made that possible! 10 kids that give me more than we could ask on a daily basis and I am so proud that the world gets to see now what I’ve always known! Thanking patrons, friends and family for your ongoing support and love! It is deeply felt! Holy crap! OMG.”
The Attic was also up against another classic Melbourne establishment, Eau de Vie, in the same category. While Sydney whisky venue, The Baxter Inn, missed out on the award for World’s Best Spirits Selection.
2015 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award winners
AMERICAN CATEGORIES
American Bartender of the Year: Ivy Mix (Brooklyn)
Best American Bar Team: Employees Only (New York)
Best American Brand Ambassador: Brooke Arthur (Brand Spirits)
Best American Cocktail Bar: Williams & Graham (Denver)
Best American High Volume Cocktail Bar: Employees Only (New York)
Best American Hotel Bar: The Broken Shaker (Miami Beach)
Best American Restaurant Bar: Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks (Boston)
Best New American Cocktail Bar: ABV (San Francisco)
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES
International Bartender of the Year: Ryan Chetiyawardana (London)
Best International Bar Team: 28 Hong Kong Street (Singapore)
Best International Brand Ambassador: Claire Smith-Warner (Belvedere Vodka)
Best International Cocktail Bar: The Artesian (London)
Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar: The Black Pearl & The Attic (Melbourne)
Best International Hotel Bar: The Beaufort Bar, The Savoy (London)
Best International Restaurant Bar: The Blind Pig at Social Eating House (London)
Best New International Cocktail Bar: Dandelyan (London)
WRITING
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication: PUNCH (United States)
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer: Dave Broom (United States)
Best New Cocktail Book: “Liquid Intelligence: The Art & Science of the Perfect Cocktail,” by Dave Arnold
Best New Spirits Book: “Whisky, the Manual,” by Dave Broom
OVERALL CATEGORIES
Best Bar Mentor: Jim Meehan
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient: Amaro di Angostura
World’s Best Cocktail Menu: The Dead Rabbit (New York)
World’s Best Spirits Selection: Canon (Seattle)
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award: Jonathan Downey
