The Panel

trend. Gary Regan

Celebrated drinks writer and
legendary bartender

Angus Winchester
The ‘walking drinks encyclopaedia’
By simon mcgoram
Photography: Courtesy of venues, selected courtesy of Jared Brown Email smcgoram@spantonmedia.com
Naren Young
Travelling ‘tender and drinks writer

Bartender Magazine’s Paul Wootton

Editor, Restaurant magazine, UK

Annual Ben Davidson

‘Cocktail Chef’ and Pernod Ricard
Spirits Ambassador

Pat Nourse
Features Editor, Gourmet Traveller,
Australia

World’s Top
Tomas Estes
Tequila Ambassador to the UK and
Europe

Charlie Ainsbury
Australian Bartender Magazine
Bartender of the Year 2007

20 Bars
Nick Ravenhall
New Zealand Bartender Magazine
Bartender of the Year 2007

Grant Collins
Managing Director of Bar Solutions
consultancy

Jacob Briars
42 Below Vodka Professor and
Treasurer of The South Gin Club

B
artender magazine’s inaugural World’s Top 20 Bars kicked up a bit of a Jason Crawley
storm last year in terms of reader response. What exactly does it take for a Maxium Australia’s jetsetting
bar to be considered amongst the world’s best? Who really belongs in the Mixxologist
list? We’ve decided that it comes down to personal preferences and tastes. What
John Gakuru
more can we ask our judges to give us? Sticking to this philosophy, Bartender Global Brand Ambassador for
magazine has set no criteria for judges’ choices. Sagatiba Cachaça
We’ve done our best to steer away from bar owners this year in our extended Sven AlmenNing
panel of brand ambassadors, magazine editors, drinks authors, consultants and Creator of Behind Bars Industry
other globetrotting luminaries. Those on the panel that do have a financial interest Services
in a bar have been chosen for their official ‘ambassadorship’ roles and were not
Tom Sandham
allowed to vote for their own venues. Editor, CLASS magazine,
UK
While you will see a few familiar names amongst our Top 20, there are bound to
be a few surprises and upsets as we count down to the World’s Best Bar! Finally, Helmut Adam
a big thank you to all of our superstar judges for their contributions. It is with great Editor, Mixology magazine,
pleasure that we now bring you their World’s Top 20 Bars. Germany

David Spanton
Managing Director, Spanton Media
Group

honourable mentions Simon Difford

Creator of Difford’s Guide
The following (in no particular order) is a list of fantastic bars around the world that deserve a plug.
Still more of our judges’ interesting choices were omitted, for space reasons.
Marco FarAone
Der Raum, Melbourne Bourbon and Branch, San Merchant Hotel Bar, Belfast Mahiki, London Director of Flavour Bar Services
438 Church Street, Richmond, Francisco 35-39 Waring Street, Belfast, 5-7 Dover Street, London,
Melbourne, Australia 501 Jones Street, San Northern Ireland England +44 20 7493 9529
+61 3 9428 0055 Francisco, USA +44 28 9023 4888
+1 415 346 1735 The Matterhorn, Wellington Dre Masso
Pegu Club, New York Hemmesphere, Sydney 106 Cuba Street, Wellington, Co-founder of Worldwide Cocktail
77 W Houston Street, New Colony Room, London Level 4, 252 George Street, New Zealand Club
York, USA 41 Dean Street, London, England Sydney, Australia +64 4 384 3359
+1 212 473 7348 +44 20 7437 9179 +61 2 9240 3040
Black Pearl, Melbourne Robbie Bargh
Dry Martini Bar, Barcelona Widder Bar, Zürich The Lonsdale, London 304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Founder and Director of Gorgeous
C/ Aribau 162, Barcelona, Rennweg 7, Zürich, Switzerland 48 Lonsdale Road, London, Melbourne, Australia Group
Spain +34 932 175 080 +41 44 224 24 11 England +44 20 7727 4080 +61 3 9417 0455

LAB, London Hussong’s Cantina , Ensenada The American Bar @ The Pinchitos, London Xavier Padovani
12 Old Compton Street, Soho, Avenue Ruiz 113, Zona Centro, Savoy, London 32 Featherstone Street, Hendrick’s Gin Global Brand
London, England Ensenada, Baja California, The Savoy Hotel, The Strand, Shoreditch, London, England Ambassador
+44 20 7437 7820 Mexico (unlisted) London, England +61 20 7490 0121
+44 20 7836 4343 Andy Gaunt
Diageo’s Reserve Brands Group

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 20.

twenty.
Melbourne
Supper Club, Melbourne
Upstairs, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9654 6300
Melbourne’s iconic late night wine room made last
year’s Top 20 and it’s a pleasure to see it back again. It’s
one of the city’s must-see venues with its comfy
chesterfields, epic wine list and legendary toasted
sandwiches. “I have seen groups here of all varieties”
comments one judge, “obnoxious brokers, timid
geriatrics post-theatre, wobbly post-club
muppets… yet the staff treat it all as it
comes, with a smile.” The essence of
Melbourne.
19.
Bramble, Edinburgh
16a Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
+44 131 226 6343
Scotland, apart from Scotch, haggis and miserable
weather now has something else to boast. Bramble has the
honour of being the first Scottish bar in Bartender magazine’s
Top 20. This relaxed Prohibition-styled cocktail bar is
representative of a great bartending scene in Scotland. One
judge says it has “everything I love about a bar; a chilled,
friendly crowd, great service, and great drinks.” “From the
first school night outing where I popped in for one and
rolled out, hammered, legless and happy,” adds

nineteen.
another judge, “this has been the true north on
my alcoholic compass. Cracking tunes and
that ‘bartenders bar’ vibe – oh, to be
sitting there now…”

18.
Trailer
Happiness, London
177 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, England
+44 20 7727 2700
seventeen.

With top notch service, skilled bartenders, a great rum

collection, a mid-20th Century bachelor pad feel and a well
thought out music selection, this is no ordinary Tiki bar. For
a second year ‘Trailer has made the Top 20. One judge
credits the bar with the resurrection of Tiki culture in the
UK. It has good roots – the bar was opened by Jonathan
Downey (Match Bar Group and Milk & Honey
London) and put together by Angus Winchester
and Dale DeGroff. “It’s just so good!” exclaims
one judge. “Superbly crafted drinks and
service that makes you feel you’re
the ‘blingest’ in the room.”

1 7.
M on tgomer y
Place, London
31 Kensington Park Road, London, England
+44 20 7792 3921
A newcomer to the Top 20, this sophisticated cocktail
lounge steers away from outlandish cocktail creations to
take its clientele back to the ‘golden age’ of cocktails. As
we all know, however, service is key and Montgomery
Place has made the Top 20 because it delivers. “I’ve
never had a bad cocktail there. Just the way you want
a cocktail bar to be: personal, ‘gemuetlich’ (congenial),
neighbourhood style,” comments one judge.
Another says the staff are “one of the most

eighteen.
committed and talented bartender teams
in the world.”

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 16.
Star Bar Ginza,

sixteen.
Tokyo
1-5-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
+81 3 3535 8005
There has been much talk about the skill of Japanese
bartenders, who have “elevated classic mixology to an art
form” according to one judge. One judge explains that Star
Bar “describes in itself the essence of Japanese-style
bartending”. Another suggests the Japanese bartending
tradition reaches its “formal perfection” here. Judges
describe Star Bar as a smoky, dim den, lined with
rare Scotches and Bourbons. Extraordinary
training means the service is always formal
15. and respectful, while entertaining. “The
cocktails are superb” enthuses
Harry’s New one judge.

York Bar, Paris

5 Rue Daunou, Paris, France +33 1 42 61 71 14
Established in 1911, this is the oldest bar to make our
Top 20. Few bars can lay claim to have been responsible
for such great classics as the Sidecar, Bloody Mary, White
Lady and Blue Lagoon. Harry’s backs up its claims in the
Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails, first published in 1919
and found in the hands of bartenders worldwide. Few
bars have been as celebrated and loved by musicians,
writers and artists as Harry’s. Famous regulars have
13.
included the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Scott
Fitzgerald and George Gershwin. To top it all
The
off, Harry’s is 97 years old and still going Experimental Cocktail
strong!
Club, Paris
fifteen.

37 Rue Saint Sauveur, Paris, France

The Experimental Cocktail Club in many ways is still in its
infancy at a year old, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t at the
top of its game. “With an amazing atmosphere, this truly
hidden gem has everything going for it,” one judge says.
“Drinks are good and delivered in an impeccable
manner.” Another judge praises the team as; “utterly
devoted to their trade and forever in search of the
perfect tipple... they are currently touring the
globe seeking new locations for
expansion”. Watch this space...

14.
Tommy’s
Mexican Restaurant &
World’s Best Tequila Bar, San
Francisco
5929 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, USA
+1 415 387 4747
Julio Bermejo’s bar is no stranger to fame. Opened by Julio’s
parents in 1965, Tommy’s has seen over 40 years of hard work to
get where it is today – the world’s premier Tequila venue. This bar
serves only the finest 100 per cent agave Tequilas. Judges laud
the place and in particular its host: “The most impressive
selection of quality Tequila and the freshest Margaritas you
will ever experience. Make sure you go when Julio Bermejo
is working,” says one. “It is Julio Bermejo that makes
this place world class. His giant heart and his
selection of Tequilas make this without rival,”
adds another.

fourteen. J U N E 0 8 _ A u s t r a l i an B a r t en d e r _ 2 1
 12.
La Capilla,
Tequila
Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico (unlisted)
Definitely the most ‘off the beaten track’ of our Top 20.
(For us gringos, at least.) La Capilla is the town of Tequila’s
most famous bar and it is owned by Tequila’s most famous
bartender, 85 year old Don Javier (pictured). “This is a true
Mecca for those seeking the spirit of Tequila,” explains one
judge. “Don Javier Delgado has been reigning over this
bar for locals for 60 some years. Again, this is a no
nonsense place, no frills. Don Javier stirs his drinks
with a butcher knife, a fork or whatever is at hand.”
Here he is making his signature drink, the
Batanga: Tequila, fresh lime and cola,
with a salt rim.

twelve.
Image courtesy of Jared Brown

10.
Shochu
Lounge, London
37 Charlotte Street, London, England
+44 20 7580 9666
eleven
Breaking into the top 10 is Shochu Lounge, having been
highly recommended last year. The famous Tony
Conigliaro is responsible for pulling together the bar’s
creative drinks and cocktail list. Shochu is certainly a hit
11.
The Bar @ The
Dorchester, London
with one of our judges. “My fave bar! Unpretentious,
adjacent to a great restaurant, and Tony C’s cocktail 53 Park Lane, London, England
list shows remarkable attention to detail,” raves +44 20 7629 8888

ten.
one panellist. “Warm, friendly and well trained
At number 11 is The Bar at London’s Dorchester hotel. The
staff – a great bar for a casual beer, shochu
opulent interior is spiked by signature features like dramatic red
or intimate cocktail,” adds another.
glass spears. The long, alluring bar holds a fine selection of
spirits, wines and Champagnes and the menu offers “elegant
tartines and indulgent caviars”. For one of our panellists, this
was their favourite pick: “A passionate team making fantastic
drinks – theatre and rituals bring to life the ultimate drinking
experience.” He continues; “Try the Martinez, the Negroni
and the Ramos Fizz to name a few. They even have their
own Dorchester ‘Old Tom’. The bar team are one of
the best in London, led by two of the best bar
managers in the business. A great mix of
clientele; the perfect place to watch
and to be seen”.

nine.
9.
Hemingway Bar
@ The Ritz, Paris
15 Place Vendome, Paris, France
+33 1 43 16 30 30
Bar Hemingway at the Paris Ritz is one of those places that
will never go out of fashion. Named after the drinker that
needs no introduction amongst bartending folk, it is hard to
imagine a Top 20 without it. Headed up by legendary
barman Colin Peter Field, Hemingway Bar has been carried
by safe hands into the 21st Century. The bar features a
veritable treasure trove of Hemingway paraphernalia,
equalled only by the fine array of spirits and cocktails
available. “A small intimate cocktail bar with great
cocktails” explains a fan. “I just love the
intimacy of this bar.”

J U N E 0 8 _ A u s t r a l i an B a r t en d e r _ 2 3
 8.
Flatiron
Lounge, New York
37 West 19th Street, New York, USA
+1 212 727 7741
Flatiron Lounge makes it into our top 10 this year. The art
deco inspired bar is renowned for its fabulous libations
made with uncompromising quality. The Flatiron Lounge
is designed with the intention of evoking the decadence
and romance of a bygone era. “Fantastic drinks that
take you on a magical journey of taste and flavour,”
comments one judge. “This is one of my favourite
hangouts. Always consistently fabulous and
lead passionately by its owner and Julie
Reiner and her team.”

eight. 6.
7.
Death & Co.,
New York
433 East 6th Street, New York, USA
+1 212 388 0882
Another new member of the Top 20 club. Despite its
Bayswater name, this cool, jazzy lounge isn’t all doom and gloom.
Brasserie, Sydney The bar takes its name from the Prohibition logic that to
live with alcohol was to “live a life shadowed by death”.
32 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, Sydney, Australia Understandably, this venue steers towards the
+61 2 9357 2177 atmospheric as opposed to the riotous, to complement
its fine wines, spirits and cocktails. “This bar is
The only Aussie bar to sneak into the top 10 this year – what you expect to find if you’re in search of
Sydney’s Bayswater Brasserie remains globally respected. New York’s liquid history” explains a judge.
The ‘Bayz’ is a multi-award winner at the Australian bar “Dark, hidden and filled with a sense
awards and is known for attracting fine staff to man its zinc of ironic decay. Superb!”
topped bar. Home to Australian Bartender magazine
Bartender of the Year 2007, Charles Ainsbury and winner
of Best Drinks Selection 2007, the bar continues to
show its pedigree. Long time manager, Leonard Opai
still keeps a watchful eye on the place, while
Charlie now manages the bar. “The Brasserie
has the two things every bar needs, but
few have – character and energy,”
praises one judge.

seven.
ix.

5.
Le Lion de
Paris, Hamburg
Rathausstr. 3, Hamburg, Germany
+49 40 33 47 53 78 0
The top five bars have raced ahead in terms of votes this
year and relative newcomer Le Lion (it opened autumn
2007) has done well to make it this far. Judges describe it
as “a haven of classic simplicity”. “If you’re passionate
about the history of our craft then Le Lion is a must see,”
says one. Another says; “Classic speakeasy; discreet
entrance, warm welcome, sharp service, amazing

five.
cocktails, the right spot in town to sip 1920s
drinks till sunrise”. Another explains that it
is “home to several of Germany’s
most creative bar tending
talents”.
2 4 _ A u s t r a l i an B a r t en d e r _ J U N E 0 8
 four.
4. 1.
Salvatore at Milk & Honey,
Fifty, London London
50 St James’s Street, London, England 61 Poland Street, Soho, London, England
+44 870 415 5050 +44 20 7292 9949
One of only two bars to remain in our top five from the Although opening after Milk & Honey NYC, the London address
inaugural World’s Top 20 Bars. “This is what a classic has snuck ahead by an inch to claim the number one spot for a
London cocktail bar is and should be” explains a second year! Jonathan Downey is a leviathan of an operator, with
panellist. “The ideal spot in town, good for late drinks, his bars earning recognition the world over, but none quite like this,
the whole thing orchestrated by the maestro himself his flagship venue. The bar, like the New York operation, has a strict
– Salvatore Calabrese.” There has been a casino reservations and referrals-only policy which ensures a high
on the site since 1827, but recent refurbishments standard of service and drinks far from the madding crowd. “The
and the legendary bartender for which this drinks are exceptional and are constantly being refreshed,”
establishment is named have brought says one judge. “Top marks to a bar that leads the way in an
this venue firmly into the new already highly skilled trade.” Another adds; “Rarely do you
century. see a bar extend its range and improve on the original,
evolving the concept in ways that were unthinkable
in the beginning.... six years on it still leads
the way in London. The most imitated
bar of the decade.”

3.
PDT

three.
2.
(Please Don’t Tell),
New York
113 St Marks Place, New York, USA
+1 212 614 0386
Despite the name, people have been raving about this New

fried Jersey-style sausage snacks is not lost. “Jim Meehan

is a god of hospitality” gushes one judge, “and this
hidden speakeasy serves great cocktails alongside
funky hotdogs... I am in love!” Another judge
continues: “The newest of New York’s
speakeasy-style cocktail havens, PDT
has taken the local scene by
storm.”
one.
York cocktail bar. Entry is via a phone booth in a hotdog store
and the irony of expertly crafted cocktails followed by deep

Milk & Honey,

New York
134 Eldridge Street, New York, USA
(unlisted)
The elusive Milk & Honey opened in NYC in 2000. Many a
New Yorker believes the bar to be the stuff of fiction, as the bar
is open only by referral or prior arrangement. “The closest thing
we have to a mythical bar” says one judge, “Milk & Honey has
inspired bars around the world with their attention to detail in
every aspect of drink making.” Sasha Petraske is the owner
and is known for his strict house rules and he asks that you
wouldn’t bring anyone to the bar unless you’d feel

two.
comfortable with them alone in your own home.
Many judges applaud Milk & Honey’s style,
claiming Petraske is responsible for the
comeback of ‘speakeasy’ venues.
The global impact of this bar
is undeniable.

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