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Hotel awards | KRG Hospitality

Hotel awards

The Tea Lounge inside the lobby of Capella Bangkok, number one on the 2024 World's 50 Best Hotels ranking
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The World’s 50 Best Hotels: 2024

World’s 50 Best Unveils the top Hotels of 2024

by David Klemt

The Tea Lounge inside the lobby of Capella Bangkok, number one on the 2024 World's 50 Best Hotels ranking

The Tea Lounge inside the lobby of Capella Bangkok.

Announced yesterday at The World’s 50 Best Hotels ceremony in London, England, the best hotel in the world features 101 rooms, suites and villas.

In direct contrast to the manic, fast-paced city in which it’s located, Capella Bangkok is a serene oasis. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic, mesmerizing views of the Chao Phraya River, and allow sunlight to flood into their generous rooms.

Speaking of rooms, their smallest is more than 650 square feet; suites range from over 1,000 square feet to well over 2,000 square feet. Accommodations are more like luxury apartments than mere hotel rooms.

And for those discerning guests who demand only the absolute best? There are two stunning villas to choose from, one of which is the Presidential Villa.

I think we’ve all been curious what hotel, if any, would climb past Lake Como’s Passalacqua to claim the number-one spot. Would the property belong to a massive portfolio? Be a heritage property or a new build? How many keys would the hotel that claims the crown boast?

Will Passalacqua repeat their 2023 feat and hold the top spot for a second year?

We now have the answer to those questions. And we know that while Capella Bangkok will now sit upon the World’s 50 Best Hotels throne for at least the next 12 months, Passalacqua still claimed the number-two spot.

Of course, along with the Best Hotel in the World Award, the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels also revealed the best hotels in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. This year’s ceremony also featured three brand-new awards, which you’ll find below.

American Express Travel One to Watch Award

The Peninsula Istanbul (opened February 2023)

Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award

Aman

SevenRooms Icon Award

Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024: 50 to 11

  1. Kokomo Private Island (Yaukuve Levu Island, Fiji)
  2. The Tasman (Hobart, Tasmania, Australia)
  3. Hotel Esencia (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  4. The Brando (French Polynesia)
  5. The Connaught (London, England, UK)
  6. Six Senses Zighy Bay (Dibba, Oman)
  7. Singita Lodges – Kruger National Park (Kruger National Park, South Africa)
  8. Suján Jawai (Rajasthan, India)
  9. Hotel Castello di Reschio (Umbria, Italy)
  10. Gleneagles Hotel (Auchterarder, Scotland)
  11. Le Bristol (Paris, France)
  12. Amangalla (Fort Galle, Sri Lanka)
  13. Royal Mansour, Marrakech (Marrakech, Morocco)(No. 3 Gin Art of Hospitality Award)
  14. Aman New York (New York, New York, USA)
  15. Eden Rock – St. Barths (Saint Barthélemy)
  16. Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles, California, USA)
  17. Four Seasons at The Surf Club (Miami, Florida, USA)
  18. Capella Singapore (Singapore)
  19. Four Seasons Madrid (Madrid, Spain)
  20. La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
  21. The Carlyle (New York, New York, USA)
  22. One&Only Mandarina (Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico)
  23. Mount Nelson (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa)(The Best Hotel in Africa)
  24. Park Hyatt Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan)
  25. The Siam (Bangkok, Thailand)
  26. The Calile (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)(The Best Hotel in Oceania)
  27. Rosewood São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil)(The Best Hotel in South America)
  28. The Lana (Dubai, UAE)
  29. Bulgari Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)(Nikka Whiskey Best New Hotel Award)
  30. Desa Potato Head (Bali, Indonesia)
  31. Borgo Santandrea (Amalfi, Italy)
  32. Four Seasons Firenze (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
  33. Maroma (Quintana Roo, Mexico)(Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award)
  34. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes, France)
  35. Chablé Yucatán (Chocholá, Yucatán, Mexico)(The Best Hotel in North America)
  36. Hotêl de Crillon (Paris, France)
  37. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Praya River (Bangkok, Thailand)
  38. Raffles London at the OWO (London, England, UK)(Lavazza Highest New Entry Award)
  39. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)
  40. Claridge’s (London, England, UK)

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024: 10 to One

  1. Nihi Sumba (Sumba Island, Indonesia)
  2. Atlantis The Royal (Dubai, UAE)(The Highest Climber Award: Number 44 in 2023)
  3. Soneva Fushi (Eydhafushi, Maldives)(The Lost Explorer Mezcal Best Beach Hotel Award)
  4. Aman Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
  5. Raffles Singapore (Singapore)
  6. The Upper House (Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China)
  7. Cheval Blanc (Paris, France)
  8. Rosewood Hong Kong (Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China)
  9. Passalacqua (Moltrasio, Como, Italy)(Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award)(The Best Hotel in Europe)(Number 1 in 2023)
  10. Capella Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)(The Best Hotel in the World)(The Best Hotel in Asia)

Congratulations to the team behind Capella Bangkok for earning the number-one spot on the second-annual World’s 50 Best Hotels list!

Main Image courtesy of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. Capella Bangkok image: PanoramicStudio

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Cheers to the 2024 Tales Catalysts!

Cheers to the 2024 Tales Catalyst Honorees!

by David Klemt

Please join us in congratulating this year’s Tales Catalyst honorees, announced this week by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.

In addition to unveiling the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail agenda, and revealing the top four Spirited Awards finalists, Tales is recognizing two industry leaders as Tales Catalysts.

Becky Paskin, an award-winning whisky journalist, consultant, and presenter, and chief curating officer for Pictures and Cocktails LLC, Keyatta Mincey Parker, are this year’s honorees.

Both Paskin and Mincey Parker are being recognized, in large part, for their commitment to community, inclusivity, equity, and innovation. That’s to say nothing of the education they provide to others in the industry.

To learn more about Paskin and Mincey Parker, including their contributions to the industry, please review the official press release below.

Cheers!

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES TALES CATALYST HONOREES

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation names Becky Paskin and Keyatta Mincey Parker as this year’s Tales Catalysts, continuing a 12-year tradition of championing leading industry members who represent marginalized groups and foster meaningful change within their communities

NEW ORLEANS, LA (June 26, 2024) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce the 2024 Tales Catalyst honorees, recognizing members of the cocktail community who are elevating the industry to greater heights. The 2024 International Honoree is Becky Paskin and the U.S. Honoree is Keyatta Mincey Parker, presented by Diageo Bar Academy. Tales Catalysts reflects a more inclusive and intersectional space for recognizing and celebrating leaders in the industry, solely for their contributions to making the drinks industry a more inclusive space – without barriers of gender or identity. Tales Catalyst, in partnership with SevenFifty Daily and Beverage Media (Provi publications), the official Tales Catalyst media partners, will take place during Tales of the Cocktail® on Tuesday, July 23 at 3:00 PM, at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. The event will feature speeches by the honorees followed by a cocktail hour, with this year’s honorees speaking to their unique vision and personal efforts in fostering inclusivity in the drinks industry.

“I am overjoyed to see these new Catalyst Award recipients being honored at Tales of the Cocktail,” said Catalyst Co-Chair Tiffanie Barriere. “Their innovative contributions and consistent dedication to advancing the cocktail and spirits industry set them apart as true pioneers. Each recipient has demonstrated an exceptional ability to inspire, educate, and elevate our community, making profound impacts through their creativity and commitment. Their recognition is not only well-deserved but also a testament to the future and innovation of our craft.”

This year’s honorees were selected from a pool of over 100 qualified applicants and carefully chosen by Tales Catalyst Committee Members.

“Our two honorees are the definition of community builders. Each a Catalyst in their own way,” said Catalyst Co-Chair Robin Nance. “Keyatta has created and cultivated a space for her community and continues to expand and elevate what is possible. Becky took her disappointment and frustration and created a space that celebrates women in a category that often leaves them out of the conversation. They are both incredibly deserving and I can’t wait to honor them in July!”

Guests are invited to celebrate this year’s Tales Catalyst Honorees during Tales of the Cocktail® on Tuesday, July 23 at 3:00 PM. For those who are interested in attending, tickets may be purchased on the TOTCF website.

2024 Catalyst Honorees:

2024 Catalyst International Honoree:

Becky Paskin

Becky Paskin is an award-winning whisky journalist, presenter, and consultant, and founder of the OurWhisky Foundation. Formerly editor of leading online magazine Scotchwhisky.com and global trade title The Spirits Business, her writing appears in a variety of publications from Club Oenologique and Waitrose to Whisky Magazine and the Daily Beast. She is a regular drinks presenter for television and radio, including ITV’s Love Your Weekend and This Morning, and regularly presents educational seminars at global drinks festivals.

Becky is an advocate for equality and inclusion within the global whisky industry; her work has led her to being named Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year, IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year, SevenFifty Daily’s Drinks Innovator of the Year, and listed as About Time Magazine’s Top 10 Women to Watch in Drinks. She is also a Keeper of the Quaich and has been named one of the 50 most influential people in the global drinks industry by Drinks International for the past four years.

2024 Catalyst U.S. Honoree:

Keyatta Mincey Parker

Keyatta Mincey Parker, a prominent figure in the spirits and cocktails industry, serves as the Chief Curating Officer at Pictures and Cocktails LLC. With over two decades of experience in the food service and hospitality sector, she brings a unique blend of expertise, merging her knowledge from hotels, fine dining, dynamic dance clubs, and her rich Liberian heritage. Recognized by Thrillist and Tastemakers as a must-know bartender and one of the Top 50 Bartenders in the South, Keyatta has garnered attention from prestigious publications such as Forbes, Food and Wine, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, and Southern Living Magazine.

Collaborating with influential spirit brands, chefs, celebrities, and farmers, Keyatta Mincey Parker is known for creating visually stunning and innovative cocktails. As the driving force behind Pictures and Cocktails, she designs bespoke cocktails and experiences. Additionally, she is the Founder and Executive Director of A Sip of Paradise Garden, a non-profit community garden for bartenders and hospitality professionals in Atlanta.

Keyatta’s impressive repertoire includes crafting the celebratory cocktail for the Liberian Olympic National Team, which has been adopted as the team’s official drink. She has been inducted into the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and recognized as a member of Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Future 40. Recently, she joined the board of Slow Foods Atlanta, aiming to expand her influence from the creative side of food to food justice, advocating for clean, fair, and healthy food for all.

As an esteemed speaker, Keyatta addresses topics such as philanthropy, community building, mental health, gardening, agriculture, black land ownership, equity in hospitality, and women in leadership. Despite her diverse interests, her passion for cocktails remains a constant focal point.

Tales Catalyst Partners

Catalyst is proud to share its presenting, supporting, and media partners, who help make the 2024 Tales Catalyst possible. Tales Catalyst 2024 is presented by Diageo Bar Academy with support from Don Q Rum, Korbel, Laird & Co, and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic. Thank you to the Official Water of TOTC2024: Maison Perrier. The official Tales Catalyst Media Partner for 2024 is Provi.

Tales of the Cocktail® 2024

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, advances, and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events. This year, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation hosts its 22-year anniversary Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans from July 21-26, 2024, and will celebrate the theme of “Inspire.”

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail or Tales Catalyst, please visit the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

ABOUT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION:

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, advances, and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events. This year, TOTCF hosts its 22nd Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans from July 21-26, 2024, and celebrates the theme Inspire.

ABOUT SEVENFIFTY DAILY AND BEVERAGE MEDIA GROUP:

SevenFifty Daily is an award-winning online magazine about the business and culture of the beverage alcohol industry. Beverage Media Group contains a network of national, market-specific publications with industry insights and printed distributor pricing by region. Covering the three tiers of the alcohol industry, the publications connect a global community of drinks professionals, creating a space that fosters conversation and a platform for showcasing the people and ideas moving the industry forward. Both SevenFifty Daily and Beverage Media Group are Provi publications.

Image: 2023 Tales Catalysts event by Rush Jagoe

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Plénitude restaurant in Paris, France, number 18 on the 2024 World's 50 Best Restaurants list
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The World’s Best Restaurant: 2024

Barcelona is Home to the 2024 World’s Best Restaurant

by David Klemt

Plénitude restaurant in Paris, France, number 18 on the 2024 World's 50 Best Restaurants list

Plénitude restaurant in Paris, France, number 18 on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Winner of the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2024.

Revealed at an awards ceremony hosted by Wynn Las Vegas, The World’s Best Restaurant—and The Best Restaurant in Europe—is located in Barcelona, Spain.

Helmed by three incredible chefs, Disfrutar earned the number-one spot on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Providing a hint of what guests can expect, the restaurant’s name translates to “Enjoy.”

Interestingly, the trio of chefs—Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch—were members of the senior creative team at El Bulli. To provide a measure of context, El Bulli clinched the top spot on the very first World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2002. The legendary restaurant would go on to earn number one again in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

So, it’s not a stretch to say that when Chefs Oriol, Casañas, and Xatruch opened Disfrutar in 2014, the restaurant world expected amazing achievements. By 2018, the three chefs led their restaurant to a debut on the 2018 World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking, finding themselves at number 18. Just a year later, Disfrutar reached number nine on the list.

For our Canadian and American readers, I’m going to reveal two bits of news now. First, there are no Canadian restaurants on this year’s top 50 list. That means that taken together with the expanded, 51 to 100 ranking, Canada is a no-show.

Second, only two American restaurants landed among the 50 best restaurants in the world. One is in New York, the other, California. There are three other American restaurants—two in New York City and one in Chicago—on the expanded list. However, a Los Angeles restaurant, Kato, bagged the Resy One To Watch Award 2024.

In contrast, Mexico City is home to three restaurants in the top 50, as Lima and Tokyo. Paris and Bangkok each boast four restaurants, grabbing the most spots.

Salud to Disfrutar, and cheers to every restaurant team that earned their way onto the 2024 list!

World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024: 50 to 11

  1. Uliassi (Senigallia, Ancona, Italy)
  2. La Colombe (Cape Town, South Africa)(New entry)
  3. Hiša Franko (Kobarid, Gorizia, Slovenia)
  4. Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Graubünden, Switzerland)
  5. SingleThread (Healdsburg, California, US)(Re-entry)
  6. Arpège (Paris, Île-de-France, France)(Re-entry)
  7. Mingles (Seoul, South Korea)(New entry)
  8. Nobelhart & Schmutzig (Berlin, Germany)(Sustainable Restaurant Award 2024)
  9. Ikoyi Restaurant St. James’s (London, England, UK)
  10. Mayta (Lima, Peru)
  11. Le Du (Bangkok, Thailand)
  12. Piazza Duomo (Alba, Piedmont, Italy)
  13. Sorn (Bangkok, Thailand)(Re-entry)
  14. Oteque (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)(Re-entry)
  15. The Jane (Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium)
  16. Frantzén (Stockholm, Södermanland and Uppland, Sweden)
  17. Rosetta (Mexico City, Mexico)
  18. Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)
  19. Den (Tokyo, Kantō, Japan)
  20. Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal)
  21. Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin, Germany)
  22. Boragó (Santiago, Chile)
  23. Elkano (Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain)
  24. A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil)(The World’s Best Female Chef 2024: Chef Janaína Torres)
  25. The Chairman (Hong Kong)(Highest Climber Award 2024)
  26. El Chato (Bogotá, Distrito Capital, Colombia)
  27. Odette (Singapore)
  28. Sühring (Bangkok, Thailand)(Re-entry)
  29. Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
  30. Floriège (Tokyo, Kantō, Japan)
  31. Wing (Hong Kong)(New entry)(Highest New Entry Award 2024)
  32. Reale (Castel di Sangro, L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy)
  33. Plénitude (Paris, France)(Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award 2024)
  34. Kol (London, England, UK)
  35. Kjolle (Lima, Peru)
  36. Sézanne (Tokyo, Kantō, Japan)
  37. Quique Dacosta (Dénia, Alicante, Spain)
  38. Trèsind Studio (Dubai, UAE)
  39. Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy)
  40. Septime (Paris, France)

World’s 50 Best Restaurants: 10 to 1

  1. Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)(Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award 2024: Pablo Rivero)
  2. Gaggan (Bangkok, Thailand)
  3. Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)
  4. Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)
  5. Atomix (New York City, New York, US)
  6. Maido (Lima, Peru)(Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award 2024: Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura)
  7. Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)
  8. Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France)
  9. Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Biscay, Spain)
  10. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain)

DISFRUTAR, BARCELONA, IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2024

  • Disfrutar in Barcelona is named The Best Restaurant in Europe and The World’s Best Restaurant 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna
  • Announced this evening at an awards ceremony in Las Vegas, the 2024 ranking includes restaurants from 26 territories in five continents worldwide and introduces three restaurants making their list debut
  • Neil Perry, original founder of Rockpool Group in Australia and current chef-owner of Margaret in Sydney, receives the Woodford Reserve Icon Award
  • Paris-based Nina Métayer wins The World’s Best Pastry Chef Award 2024, sponsored by Sosa
  • The Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award 2024 is presented to Pablo Rivero of Don Julio, Buenos Aires
  • Wing in Hong Kong earns the Highest New Entry Award
  • The Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Highstreet World, goes to The Chairman, Hong Kong
  • Nobelhart & Schmutzig in Berlin is announced as the winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award
  • Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura from Maido in Lima receives the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award 2024

5 June 2024 – The world of gastronomy came together in the neon-lit city of Las Vegas in the United States this evening to celebrate and recognise The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, with Barcelona’s Disfrutar named The World’s Best Restaurant and The Best Restaurant in Europe. The awards ceremony, hosted at Wynn Las Vegas, honours the very best gastronomic talent from 26 territories across five continents.

Disfrutar, the Barcelona restaurant run by the skilled chef trio of Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas, is named The World’s Best Restaurant 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua
Panna, succeeding the 2023 winner, Central in Lima, which now enjoys an elevated position in the Best of the Best hall of fame

Ranked at No.2 in the 2023 list, Disfrutar is famed for modern techniques and beautiful ingredients, resulting in an experience that subverts traditional fine dining in a completely surprising way. The tasting menu showcases a Mediterranean identity with avant-garde flavours to deliver daring contemporary food that is truly thought-provoking. Disfrutar is followed in the ranking by Asador Etxebarri (No.2) in Atxondo and Table by Bruno Verjus (No.3) in Paris.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, comments: “It is with great excitement that we announce the list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, and honour the iconoclastic Disfrutar as The World’s Best Restaurant. The team, led by Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas, has shown extraordinary dedication to its craft, amazing and delighting diners with every dish on its extensive menu. This year sees the culinary community celebrate a truly global list featuring restaurants across 26 territories, demonstrating that the appetite for diversity and excellence in hospitality shows no sign of waning.”

Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura, the chef-owner of Maido in Lima, wins the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award 2024, the only award to be voted for by his peers, in light of his dedication to putting Peru onto the world culinary stage, evidenced by Maido’s position as No.1 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023.

Australian chef and restaurateur Neil Perry – whose restaurant portfolio has included the legendary Rockpool Bar & Grill, Rosetta and Spice Temple, as well as his latest venture, Margaret – has enjoyed a career spanning more than 45 years and is now rewarded with the Woodford Reserve Icon Award. Perry is arguably his country’s most influential chef and is known for his visionary interpretations of Modern Australian and Asian cuisines.

Nina Métayer is named The World’s Best Pastry Chef 2024, sponsored by Sosa. Métayer’s sculptural creations have garnered attention the world over and her beautiful work is inspiring a new generation of pastry chefs.

Restaurants from four new cities have entered or re-entered the list, with La Colombe in Cape Town (No.49), SingleThread in Healdsburg (No.46), Oteque in Rio de Janeiro (No.37), and Mingles in Seoul (No.44), showing the awards’ ever-expanding international footprint in recognising the best restaurants across the globe.

Based in Hong Kong, chef Vicky Cheng’s Wing (No.20) is recognised with the Highest New Entry Award 2024, and The Chairman (No.26) – also in Hong Kong – bags the Highest Climber Award 2024, sponsored by Highstreet World. The Chairman moves up 24 spots from the 2023 list and was also recognised as The Best Restaurant in Hong Kong by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.

The Beronia World’s Best Sommelier Award is presented to Pablo Rivero, sommelier and owner of Don Julio, Buenos Aires. Previously recognised as Latin America’s Best Sommelier 2022 as part of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, Rivero is known for his championing of the region’s wine and his thoughtful pairings with local produce.

Berlin’s Nobelhart & Schmutzig (No.43) is announced as the winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award, in recognition of its unerring advocacy for better agricultural policies and the voices of producers. Its ‘brutally local’ ethos is testament to its personal relationships with farmers and growers, allowing the team to offer a truly regional and seasonal menu.

The evening also celebrated those honoured with pre-announced special awards. These included: Champions of Change winners Jessica Rosval and Caroline Caporossi – founders of Roots in Modena, a social enterprise restaurant that hosts a training programme for migrant women – and João Diamante of Diamantes Na Cozinha in Rio de Janeiro, founder of a culinary initiative which creates opportunities for young people in vulnerable situations; Janaína Torres, winner of The World’s Best Female Chef Award; Plénitude in Paris, which was presented with the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award; and Kato, Los Angeles, which picked up the Resy One To Watch Award.

The Voting Process

The list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 is created from the votes of 1,080 international restaurant industry experts and well-travelled gourmets who make up The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The gender-balanced Academy is comprised of 27 separate regions around the world, each of which has 40 members including an Academy Chair. No sponsor from the event has any influence over the voting process.

Professional services consultancy Deloitte independently adjudicates The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the ranking from 1-50. This adjudication ensures that the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting lists are protected.

Best of the Best

Those in the elite group of No.1 ranked restaurants (listed below) have delivered on their exemplary reputations time and again and will be forever honoured as iconic dining destinations in the Best of the Best hall of fame. The chefs and restaurateurs who have led these restaurants to the pinnacle of the list have expressed their desire to invest in the future of the sector and ‘give back’ to the food world through new projects and innovation. The following restaurants have been named No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants since the list’s inception and were therefore not eligible for voting in 2024:

  • El Bulli (2002, 2006-2009)
  • The French Laundry (2003-2004)
  • The Fat Duck (2005)
  • Noma – original location (2010-2012, 2014)
  • El Celler de Can Roca (2013, 2015)
  • Osteria Francescana (2016, 2018
  • Eleven Madison Park (2017)
  • Mirazur (2019)
  • Noma – current location (2021)
  • Geranium (2022)
  • Central (2023)

See above for the 2024 one through fifty ranking.

Image:

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TOTC Announces 2024 Agenda

Tales of the Cocktail Announces 2024 Agenda

by David Klemt

Tales of the Cocktail 2023 Jack Daniel's event with Julie Reiner

Tales of the Cocktail has revealed the 2024 agenda, and it’s absolutely loaded with incredible networking, health and wellness, and educational opportunities.

There’s an array of activations and special events lined up for this year. For example, the New Orleans Spirits Competition returns to Tales of the Cocktail for its third edition. To learn more about this event—including why people who want to participate need to line up early—listen to episode 115 of the Bar Hacks podcast. (Apple Podcasts link | Spotify link)

Of course, one of the biggest events is the 2024 Spirited Awards ceremony, taking place Thursday, July 25.

Truly, Tales is coming out swinging for 2024. For more information, please review the official press release below.

Cheers!

NOW LIVE: TALES OF THE COCKTAIL® 2024 CONFERENCE AGENDA AND TICKETS

TOTC returns to New Orleans from July 21-26 with an inspiring lineup of educational seminars, tasting and networking opportunities, wellness initiatives, awards programming, and much more

 

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 13, 2024) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce that today, on World Cocktail Day, the Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) 2024 conference agenda and tickets are now live via the Foundation’s website. Toasting its 22-year legacy of honoring the craft, culture, and business of the global cocktail community, TOTC returns to New Orleans from July 21-26, offering an immersive experience created to “Inspire” both industry professionals and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Beginning today, a variety of daily and weekly passes, discounted bartender passes, individual event tickets, and the all-new $10 Wellness Week Pass are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete details about TOTC 2024 ticket options can be accessed on Tales’ ticketing platform.

“It’s an honor to unveil the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail agenda, and with it, invite the cocktail community to join us in New Orleans for the 22nd annual conference,” said TOTCF CEO Eileen Wayner. “Our dedicated team, along with the invaluable TOTCF Committees, Board of Directors, and partners have meticulously cultivated a conference agenda that’s brimming with educational programming, wellness and networking opportunities, tastings, awards celebrations, brand showcases, and more. The 2024 agenda guarantees an unparalleled week of discovery, connection, and above all, Inspiration, as we explore this year’s annual theme.”

TOTC has long been a love letter to New Orleans’ cocktail culture and a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cocktail traditions—both new and timeless. The 2024 conference lineup is no exception, featuring another stellar slate of curated educational seminars; Beyond the Bar activations; Brand-Hosted Events; Day of Service; Meet the Distillers; New Orleans Cocktail Tours; the annual Spirited Awards®; Tales Catalyst; and more.

Educational Seminars, Panels, Q&A Sessions, and More

Tales of the Cocktail will feature more than 65 educational sessions, including seminars, workshops, and tastings across Tales’ three educational streams—Business, Culture, and Beyond the Bar—which will be presented by 175 industry leaders. Chosen from more than 380 impressive proposals, the 2024 seminar lineup was hand-selected via a rigorous process by the Tales of the Cocktail Education Advisory Committee. This year, the TOTC seminar schedule is proudly led by over 48% women presenters, 30% BIPOC presenters, and over 33% international presenters from countries including the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, the UK, and more.

Highlights from this year’s seminar schedule include:

Business

  • Contemporary Employee Relations: Centering Dignity by Laura Louise Green with John B. Reyna, Andi Ryan, and Irene Shiang Li
  • More of the Same: Expanding Your Bar Concept by Meaghan Dorman with Indra Kantono, Gates Otsuji, and Laura Torres
  • Pouring Foundations: Financial Planning for Bar Upgrades and New Constructions by Matt Edgar with Hannah Cash and Johann Moonesinghe
  • Up Your Probability of Profit: Consumer Insights to Operate Smarter not Harder by Adrian Biggs with Rodrigo Leme, Nikki Hueckel, Andrew Hummel, and Simone Ventura

Culture

  • Akvavit 101 by Bex Almqvist
  • H2Know: Water in Cocktails 101 by Kate Gerwin and Martin Riese
  • Harmonies in Mixology: Exploring the Relationship between Music and Cocktails by Xavier Herit with Michael Aredes
  • In the Weeds: Wild Flavors Behind the Bar by Olivia Cerio with Danny Childs, Ektoras Binikos, and Tama Matsuoka Wong
  • What’s Cooler than Cool? Cocktails and Temperature by Jessamine McLellan with Dave Arnold, and Michael Capoferri

Beyond the Bar

  • Branding Up for Yourself: Strengthening Community and Equity in Brand Relations by Michael Holiday with Sullivan Doh, Phëlix Étienne, and Kapri Robinson
  • Flavors of Immigration by Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, Julio Cabrera, Faye Chen, Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez, Roberto Núñez Moreno, and Eric Vanbeek
  • I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Five Cocktails Defined by Women’s Right to Booze by Nicola Nice and Greg Benson
  • Mixing Motherhood: Navigating the Cocktail of Challenges in the Drinks Industry by Vivian Pei with Paula García, Carina Soto Velasquez, and Tess Posthumus

TOTC is pleased to present the inaugural “Futures Lab” series on Tuesday, July 23, which will immerse participants in short-format, thoughtful discussions on the future of the drinks industry, and all-new, curated Networking Sessions which will take place throughout the week of TOTC.

Futures Lab

  • The Future of A.I. and Hospitality – Gary Gruver, Director of Global Beverage Operations, Marriott International
  • The Future of Drinking the Planet Better – Stephanie Jordan, Avallen Spirits & Drinking Out Loud, Founder
  • The Future of Food & Beverage – Kat Kinsman, Food and Wine, Executive Features Editor and Host of Tinfoil Swans Podcast
  • The Future of the Industry – Matt Molino, Chief Strategy Officer Partner, NVE Experience Agency
  • The Future of Ingredients – Monica Berg, Tayer + Elementary, Muyu Liqueurs, Director, Owner
  • The Future of THC Beverages – Rachel Burkons, Smoke Sip Savor, Feast & Flower, Founder

Networking Sessions

  • First-time Tales Attendees
  • Journalists and Bartenders, Presented by Stray Dog Wild Gin
  • Meet in the Middle – Lessons in Distribution for Producers and Buyers, Presented by Independent Distributor Network
  • Parenting in the Industry

Marquee Programming: Brand-Hosted Events, Meet the Distillers, New Orleans Cocktail Tours, New Orleans Spirits Competition, Pig & Punch, Speed Rack Championship, Spirited Awards®, Tales Catalyst, Toast to Tales, and TOTCF Day of Service.

  • Brand Hosted Events: TOTCF’s brand partners are back in New Orleans dazzling guests with their legendary parties and activations in venues across the city and at the host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Inviting guests to be awed and inspired by the creativity and festivity of some of the world’s leading brands, TOTC 2024 will feature more than 240 brand events across an array of Tastings, Happy Hours, Guest Shifts, Day Events, headlining Night Events, etc. Spirited Dining & Drinking events will feature partner brands immersed with New Orleans’ renowned food and beverage scene, highlighting local talent and guest bartenders.
  • Meet The Distillers: TOTCF’s signature trade show, Meet the Distillers (MTD), offers guests an up close and personal experience with their favorite spirits brands. Attendees will taste samples, meet the makers, and get a firsthand account of more than 20 distillations from across the globe. This year, MTD will be held on Thursday, July 25 from 10am-5pm, and is available to all with a Thursday Tasting Room wristband.
  • New Orleans Cocktail Tours: In collaboration with Wayne Curtis, the New Orleans Cocktail Tour series offers attendees a series of eight educational walking tours that provide a wealth of knowledge and keen insight into the city’s history and cocktail scene. Enlisting special guests to help guide the tours, Wayne (Author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails and frequent spirits contributor for The Atlantic, Imbibe Magazine, PUNCH, The Daily Beast, and Garden & Gun) and co. will lead a series of tours, including:
    • Absinthe Tour
    • Bourbon St. & How it Got that Way
    • Hunting Down the Sazerac
    • The Big Gay Bar Tour
  • New Orleans Spirits Competition (NOSC): The New Orleans Spirits Competition, an international spirits competition bringing wider recognition to fine spirits from top-flight producers across the globe, is presented in partnership with TOTCF, with nearly three dozen prominent members of the spirits community serving as judges to determine a suite of awards categories, including Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, Best of Category, Whiskey of the Year, Brandy of the Year, Gin of the Year, Baijiu of the Year, Vodka of the Year, Agave Spirit of the Year, Specialty Spirit of the Year, Liqueur of the Year, Best New Product, Best Craft Spirit, Packaging Excellence, and Distillery of the Year.
  • Pig & Punch: The 13th annual Pig & Punch presented by The Bon Vivants is thrilled to be heading back to New Orleans for a one-of-a-kind party for charity to close out Tales of the Cocktail! New Orleans holds a special place in the heart of Pig & Punch, infusing the event with its distinct brand of fun and energy. This year, TOTC is excited to bring the party to a fresh venue, The Broadside, promising an unparalleled experience. True to the spirit of Tales of the Cocktail, The Bon Vivants reaffirm their dedication to giving back. Proceeds will support New Orleans KIPP Charter Schools, The Bon Vivants Scholarship aiding first-generation college students in San Francisco, Hogs for the Cause, and the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. This party is all about community and camaraderie!
  • Speed Rack Season 12 National Finals: In partnership with Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero, TOTC will host the high-speed, high-octane Speed Rack Season 12 National Finals on Sunday, July 21 from 3pm-7pm at Republic NOLA. This vibrant competition raises funds and awareness for breast cancer, all while promoting equity in the spirits industry. The finals will be a can’t-miss event as the 20 women+ semi-finalists from across the country come together to compete in a timed, tournament-style cocktail-making event. 100% of proceeds from the event are donated to national breast cancer philanthropies.
  • Spirited Awards®: Established in 2007 to honor excellence in the drinks industry, the Spirited Awards® has grown into one of the most internationally prestigious recognitions, celebrating individuals, products, establishments, media, and industry luminaries from around the world who continue to inspire the global cocktail community. Guests are invited to get dressed to the nines and celebrate the 18th annual Spirited Awards® winners at the Fillmore Theater in New Orleans on Thursday, July 25.
    • *The Top 4 Spirited Awards Nominees will be announced and Spirited Awards Ceremony tickets will go on sale on June 17.
  • Tales Catalyst: Tales Catalyst (formerly Catalyst Luncheon) will be held on Tuesday, July 23 to celebrate this year’s Tales Catalysts Honorees–a title that recognizes those who are working for the accessibility and equity of the drinks industry. This year, TOTCF transitioned the Tales Catalyst program to a presentation-format, TED-Talk-style event to give the Catalyst Honorees a unique platform to speak to an engaged audience. This ticketed event invites guests to join in celebrating the two 2024 Tales Catalyst Honorees and enjoy refreshments along with awe-inspiring speeches.
  • Toast to Tales: Join the TOTCF Board of Directors and leadership team to kickstart Tales of the Cocktail® 2024 with a toast, live brass band, and remarks from TOTCF leaders! Taking place at 10 am on Monday, July 22 in the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans courtyard, all attendees are invited to toast to another spirited year of Tales.
  • TOTCF Day of Service: TOTCF and Edrington welcome participants to the annual Day of Service on Sunday, July 21 in partnership with Green Light New Orleans and The Water Collaborative. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s sustainability initiatives, the history of water and justice in New Orleans, and paint rain barrels that will be distributed to bars throughout the city. The TOTCF Day of Service will take place from 9am-1pm, and those who are interested in participating may sign up here. This is a free, community event that’s open to all TOTC attendees.

Beyond the Bar®

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is proud to share the continued expansion of its health and wellness sector, Beyond the Bar® (BTB). Beyond the Bar® is the physical and creative space for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s global community to explore themes beyond traditional spirits education. Created in 2018, BTB provides a platform to address challenges and opportunities within the global drinks industry including mental and physical health, intersectionality, substance use, sexual harassment, diversity, equity, and sustainability.

Beginning this year, select BTB programming is included in the $10 Wellness Week Pass, which includes access to 20 onsite workshops, networking sessions, and fitness classes, in addition to the daily Beyond the Bar® Lounge presented by Lyre’s. Proceeds from the Wellness Week Pass will help fund year-round Beyond the Bar® programming, including grants, scholarships, policy initiatives, and education. The Wellness Week Pass is included in all ticket types or may be purchased individually.

Highlights include:

  • Beyond the Bar® Wellness Workshops
    • Career Readiness Workshop by Alex Jump
    • Promoting Wellness in the Workplace: Addressing Addiction and Supporting Employee Success Workshop by Mickey Bakst
    • Road to 2030 Sustainable Bar Workshop by Sean Finter and Ali Fitzpatrick
  • Beyond the Bar® Fitness Activations
    • Bartender Bodyshop with The Healthtender by Amie Ward
    • Longevity Behind the Stick: Breath and Mobility Workshop by Allie Phifer and Hai Nguyen

The Beyond the Bar space will host additional programming throughout the conference for attendees to enjoy, including:

  • Beyond the Bar Lounge: The Beyond the Bar Lounge presented by Lyre’s will be located in Baronne and available for attendees to sample N/A beverages, enjoy respite with the cozy lounge furniture, access phone chargers, and rest in between sessions.
  • Ben’s Friends: Ben’s Friends is a community of chefs, bartenders, line cooks, servers, sommeliers, hosts and hostesses, GMs, and owners who have found or are seeking sobriety. Their mission is to offer community, hope, and a path forward for those struggling with substance abuse and addiction. At its core, Ben’s Friends are hospitality workers who have found connection and the tools to seek and maintain sobriety while managing careers and lives in a sane and purposeful way. Ben’s Friends will host private meetings in the Beyond the Bar Space on Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm.

A special thanks…

Tales Partners

TOTCF would like to recognize the generous partners who help bring a premier experience to New Orleans and beyond. TOTCF is pleased to present the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2024 Medallion and Diamond Tier Partners: Bacardi USA, Brown-Forman, Campari, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Rémy-Cointreau, William Grant & Sons, and the TOTC2024 Official Water Partner: Perrier.

Tales Media Partners

TOTCF is proud to partner with esteemed media outlets to share the stories of our beloved cocktail community. This year, Tales is pleased to partner with Food & Wine, Forbes, Imbibe, Pre Shift, Provi, The Advocate, The Spill, and Wine Enthusiast.

ABOUT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION:

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, advances, and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events. This year, TOTCF hosts its 22nd Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans from July 21-26, 2024, and celebrates the theme Inspire.

Image: Cory Fontenot

Bar, Pub, Nightclub, Nightlife, Feasibility Study

"Number one" hand emoji neon sign
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The Liquor Awards Return!

The Liquor Awards Return!

by David Klemt

"Number one" hand emoji neon sign

The second-annual Liquor Awards from Liquor.com highlights the best of hospitality of 2023, shining a light on bars, individuals, and organizations.

Liquor.com launched the Liquor Awards back in 2022. For the 2022 winners and runners-up, click here. Follow this link to review the 2022 Liquor Awards honorable mentions.

Differentiating themselves from other industry awards, the Liquor Awards recognize bars, individuals, and organizations via some unique categories.

For example, Platypus in St. Louis, Missouri, receives recognition among the 2023 winners and finalists via the Under the Radar category.

Other categories include Best Classic Bar, Best Neighborhood Bar, Global Spotlight, and Community Builders of the Year.

For those who are curious, I’ve run the numbers in terms of markets and the number of finalists and winners.

New York City (including Brooklyn) leads the way with eight total finalist nods and wins. New Orleans claims six finalists and winners, and Chicago is home to five. Coming in third are San Francisco and Washington, DC, with four finalists and winners, total. Denver and Portland have three each, while Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Cartagena, Colombia, have two.

Las Vegas, KRG Hospitality‘s US headquarters, is home to just one finalist, Herbs & Rye. And Toronto, KRG’s global headquarters, is home to the Health & Wellness Liquor Award winner.

For the full list of finalists and winners, see below.

Bar Award Winners and Finalists

Best New Bar

Winner

Pacific Standard (Portland, Oregon)

Finalists

  • The Butterscotch Den (San Francisco, California)
  • Martiny’s (New York City, New York)
  • Milady’s (New York City, New York)
  • Mírate (Los Angeles, California)

Best Classic Bar

Winner

Attaboy (New York City, New York)

Finalists

  • Anvil (Houston, Texas)
  • Cure (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • The Violet Hour (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Williams & Graham (Denver, Colorado)

Best Craft Cocktail Bar

Winner

Overstory (New York City, New York)

Finalists

  • Century Grand (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Double Chicken, Please (New York City, New York)
  • Dovetail (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • True Laurel (San Francisco, California)

Best Neighborhood Bar

Winner

ABV (San Francisco, California)

Finalists

  • 16th Street Bar & Lounge (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Best Intentions (Chicago, Illinois)
  • The Long Island Bar (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Occidental (Denver, Colorado)

Best Restaurant Bar

Winner

Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Finalists

  • Bicyclette (Los Angeles, California)
  • Kimball House (Decatur, Georgia)
  • Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Palomar (Portland, Oregon)

Best Hotel Bar

Winner

Allegory (Washington, DC)

Finalists

  • Chandelier Bar (New Orleans, Louisiana)
  • Death & Co. (Denver, Colorado)
  • Little Rituals (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Silver Lyan (Washington, DC)

Expertise in Hospitality

Winner

La Factoría (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Finalists

  • Allegory (Washington, DC)
  • Bar Leather Apron (Honolulu, Hawaii)
  • Herbs & Rye (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Global Spotlight

Winner

Alquímico (Cartagena, Colombia)

Finalists

  • Bar Orchard Ginza (Tokyo, Japan)
  • El Gallo Altanero (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
  • Little Red Door (Paris, France)
  • Tjoget (Stockholm, Sweden)

Sustainable Bar Program of the Year

Winner

Owamni by the Sioux Chef (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Finalists

  • Alquímico (Cartagena, Colombia)
  • Lighthouse (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Rhodora Wine Bar (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Silo (London, England, United Kingdom)

Best Spirits Selection

Winner

Delilah’s (Chicago, Illinois)

Finalists

  • The Gin Room (St. Louis, Missouri)
  • Jack Rose Dining Saloon (Washington, DC)
  • Multnomah Whiskey Library (Portland, Oregon)
  • Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (San Francisco, California)

Individual Award Winners and Finalists

Creating an Inclusive Space

Winner

Tiffanie Barriere

Finalists

  • Ashtin Berry
  • Kate Gerwin
  • Kapri Robinson
  • Chockie Tom

Bartender of the Year

Winner

Kapri Robinson

Liquor Legend

Winner

Julie Reiner

Organization Award Winners and Finalists

Community Builders of the Year

Winner

Turning Tables (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Finalists

Health & Wellness

Winner

Not 9 to 5 (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Finalists

Sustainable Producer of the Year

Winner

Mijenta Tequila

Finalists

  • Barr Hill Gin
  • Empirical
  • Maker’s Mark
  • WhistlePig Whiskey

Cheers to the finalists and award winners!

Please click here to review the list on Liquor.com and learn more about the winners.

Image: Ellie Burgin on Pexels

KRG Hospitality Start-Up Restaurant Bar Hotel Consulting Consultant Solutions Plans Services

Golden cocktail in Champagne flute on bar top
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The Pinnacle Guide Launches

New Global Bar Recognition System, the Pinnacle Guide, Launches

by David Klemt

Golden cocktail in Champagne flute on bar top

Today’s the day that the passionate minds behind London Cocktail Week launch “the Michelin Guide” for bars, open to venues across the globe.

Open to submissions as of today, the Pinnacle Guide is open to any bar in the world. Compellingly and refreshingly, the Guide’s system intends to maximize transparency and minimize subjectivity.

Further, the process begins with the self-nomination of a venue. Truly, this is open to any bar, anywhere.

Two of the team’s founders are recent Bar Hacks podcast guests. On episode 105, Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne explain the Pinnacle Guide ahead of its launch today. You can listen to their episode below.

Dan Dove, owner and operator of Global Bartending, completes the Pinnacle Guide’s founder trio. Speaking of trios, Global Bartending’s areas of expertise are strategy, talent, and events.

I’m likely not the only person who has wondered why the Michelin Guide has yet to recognize bars. Now, I’m grateful they haven’t done so.

That’s not a dig at the Michelin Guide. However, the organization’s expertise is restaurants, not bars. It’s far more appropriate—and more credible—that passionate people dedicated to and enamored with bars are launching this recognition system and platform.

The Process

So, what are you in for when you nominate your bar? The process is quite straightforward.

Simply speaking, the

  • Front of house
  • Drinks program(me)
  • Look and feel
  • Staff
  • Operations
  • Community

Once someone who self-nominates their bar completes and submits their application, the anonymous review part of the process begins.

As this step’s phrasing suggests, anonymous reviewers will visit the venue. These reviewers could be industry professionals. They may be passionate, educated consumers whose opinions are valued and trusted.

Either way, they’ll have been vetted, tested, and completed the Pinnacle Guide Reviewer Training Programme.

For even more information, click this link. You’ll find a series of the Pinnacle Guide Round Table Discussions recordings that dive deep into the system as well.

Interestingly, the founders of the Pinnacle Guide believe undergoing the self-nomination process may also help operators enhance or refine their operation:

“Beyond being a measure of excellence, this transparent and detailed approach is also designed to give venues pause for thought on where they may have room for improvement, with the ambition of elevating the industry by encouraging higher standards across the globe.”

Moreover, the Pinnacle Guide doesn’t pit operator against operator, team against team. Should a bar be recognized by the Guide, they’ll be awarded at least one PIN. A single PIN identifies a bar as Excellent. Two carries the Outstanding designation, and three means a venue is Exceptional.

Receiving a PIN doesn’t mean a bar has beaten out another venue to be recognized; that operation stands on its own as one of the best in the world.

Are You Ready?

Thousands of owners and operators—and the teams that bring their visions to life every day—deserve acknowledgement for meeting the demands this industry makes of them.

From empowering their teams and serving as the backbone of their communities to delivering world-class service and pairing unforgettable experiences with incredible, welcoming atmospheres, hospitality is chock-full of people whose daily contributions should be recognized.

So, to any operator anywhere in the world, if you believe your team has earned at least one Pinnacle Guide PIN, this is your day. However, carve out some time to truly sit with the application and consider your team and venue.

The Pinnacle Guide is a long time coming. Let’s give it the respect it deserves.

Image: Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash

Tres Monos bar in Buenos Aires, Argentina
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

These are the 50 Best Bars of 2023

These are the 50 Best Bars of 2023

by David Klemt

Tres Monos bar in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tres Monos in Buenos Aires is number 11 and the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.

According to the World’s 50 Best, these stunning examples of operations, service, and atmosphere from around the globe are the best bars of 2023.

For the first time, the incredible collection of bars was revealed during a ceremony in Singapore. I watched this year’s ceremony via the World’s 50 Best Bars live stream and the energy was palpable just through the screen. We’ll have to consider attending the 2024 ceremony in person.

The 50 bars that have earned placement on this list should serve as inspiration for operators and hospitality professionals throughout the world. Whether considering operations, service, building a top-performing team, menu, design, or atmosphere, these bars are reaping the rewards of hard work and a commitment to hospitality.

As we’ve had the incredible honor of speaking with a number of the bars on this year’s list for our Bar Hacks podcast, we’ve linked a few of the bars below to their episodes.

The Numbers

The 15th edition of World’s 50 Best Bars ranks bars in 28 cities from around the globe.

Among individual cities, London claims the most bars on this year’s list with five. Further, two of those bars are in the top ten.

Mexico City is home to four bars on the list, while New York boasts three, plus the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. These two cocktail bar titans will go head to head for some time from what I can see, and we’re all the better for this friendly rivalry.

Overall, the UK is home to six venues on the 2023 list. Also performing well are the US and Italy, with each claiming five bars on the 2023 list. With four bars, each in Mexico City, Mexico also does very well for 2023.

This year’s host city, Singapore, boasts three bars, along with the Bar Design Award recipient. Greece also earns three spots, with one bar taking home the Legend of the List Award. There are three bars on the list in Argentina as well, all in Buenos Aires. One of these bars offers such outstanding service that it’s this year’s Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award recipient.

Another country with three bars on the list is Spain. Not only can the country now boast about being home to the bar holding the number one spot, it’s also where number four is located. Oh, and the number four bar just happens to be last year’s top bar in the world. Clearly, Barcelona is staking a claim to the Cocktail Capital of the World.

Sadly, Canada isn’t represented on this year’s list. However, Civil Liberties in Toronto does hold the number 73 spot.

Congratulations to the bars and their teams on the 2023 list, and the individual award winners! Cheers!

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023

  1. Galaxy Bar (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  2. Jewel of the South (New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America)
  3. Atlas (Singapore)
  4. The Clumsies (Athens, Greece)
  5. Locale Firenze (Florence, Italy)
  6. Baltra Bar (Mexico City, Mexico)
  7. L’Antiquario (Naples, Italy)
  8. Carnaval (Lima, Perú)
  9. 1930 (Milan, Italy)
  10. Scarfes Bar (London, England, United Kingdom)
  11. Mimi Kakushi (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  12. Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom)
  13. The Cambridge Public House (Paris, France)
  14. Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo, Japan)
  15. The SG Club (Tokyo, Japan)
  16. 🔶🟥🔵 A Bar with Shapes for a Name (London, England, United Kingdom)
  17. Argo (Hong Kong, China)
  18. Freni e Frizioni (Rome, Italy)
  19. Sago House (Singapore)
  20. Röda Huset (Stockholm, Sweden)
  21. Florería Atlántico (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  22. Wax On (Berlin, Germany)
  23. Satan’s Whiskers (London, England, United Kingdom)
  24. Katana Kitten (New York, New York, United States of America)
  25. CoChinChina (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  26. Baba Au Rum (Athens, Greece)
  27. Café La Trova (Miami, Florida, United States of America)
  28. Caretaker’s Cottage (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
  29. Hanky Panky (Mexico City, Mexico)
  30. Drink Kong (Rome, Italy)
  31. Coa (Hong Kong)
  32. Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)
  33. Zest (Seoul, South Korea)
  34. Overstory (New York, New York, United States of America)
  35. Salmon Guru (Madrid, Spain)
  36. Maybe Sammy (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  37. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)
  38. BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand)
  39. Line (Athens, Greece)
  40. Tres Monos (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  41. Himkok (Oslo, Norway)
  42. Alquímico (Cartagena, Colombia)
  43. Tayēr + Elementary (London, England, United Kingdom)
  44. Licorería Limantour (Mexico City, Mexico)
  45. Little Red Door (Paris, France)
  46. Connaught Bar (London, England, United Kingdom)
  47. Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain)
  48. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
  49. Double Chicken Please (New York, New York, United States of America)
  50. Sips (Barcelona, Spain)

2023 Awards

  • Roku Industry Icon Award: Renato “Tato” Giovannoni
  • Rémy Martin Legend of the List: The Clumsies; Number 47 (Athens, Greece)
  • Best Bar in Australasia (sponsored by Naked Malt): Maybe Sammy; Number 15 (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia)
  • Best Bar in Asia (sponsored by Torres Brandy): BKK Social Club, Number 13 (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Best Bar in Europe (sponsored by Perrier): Sips; Number 1 (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa (sponsored by Amaro Lucano): Mimi Kakushi; Number 40 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  • Best Bar in North America (sponsored by Tia Maria): Double Chicken Please; Number 2 (New York, New York, United States of America)
  • Best Bar in South America (sponsored by Scrappy’s Bitters): Alquímico; Number 9 (Cartagena, Columbia)
  • Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award: Tres Monos; Number 11 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
  • Best New Opening (sponsored by the London Essence Co.): Line; Number 12 (Athens, Greece)
  • Disaronno Highest New Entry: Zest; Number 18 (Seoul, South Korea)
  • Nikka Highest Climber: Himkok; Number 10, climbed 33 positions (Oslo, Norway)
  • Ketel One Sustainable Bar: Röda Huset; Number 31 (Stockholm, Sweden)
  • Altos Bartenders’ Bartender: GN Chan; Double Chicken, Please (New York, New York, United States of America)
  • Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu: The American Bar at Gleneagles; Book of Berries menu (Auchterarder, Scotland, United Kingdom)
  • Campari One to Watch: Lady Bee; Number 52 (Lima, Perú)
  • Bareksten Best Bar Design: Night Hawk (Singapore)
  • The Blend Scholarship: Apoorva Kohli (New Delhi, India) will intern at Sips (Number 1) in Barcelona and Alquímico (Number 9) in Cartagena in 2024.

Image: Tres Monos

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

The Guildhall in London, England
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The World’s 50 Best Hotels: 2023

World’s 50 Best Reveals the top Hotels

by David Klemt

The Guildhall in London, England

The inaugural ceremony took place at Guildhall in London, England.

The World’s 50 Best launches their inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list and recognizes the finest hotels and resorts across six continents.

Mark Sansom, content director for the World’s 50 Best Bars, revealed this new list on episode 90 of the Bar Hacks podcast. That episode was published in January of this year.

Adding the World’s 50 Best Hotels to the World’s 50 Best portfolio makes perfect sense.

The organization first began ranking restaurants in 2002. In 2013, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants introduced regional lists, including Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Then came the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2009. In 2012, the list celebrated its inaugural awards ceremony. The first regional list was launched in 2016, and North America’s 50 Best Bars was kicked off in 2022.

F&B, of course, pairs perfectly with travel. To have food, beverage, and travel under one umbrella shows the World’s 50 Best’s commitment to evolving and celebrating the best of hospitality as a whole.

As you’ll see below, this inaugural list is undeniably impressive. The World’s 50 Best Hotels have set an incredible standard with this list of properties.

That begs a question: If these are the winners for 2023, what amazing hotels and resorts will earn placements on the list in the coming years?

Congratulations to the first 50 winners to earn spots on the list!

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023: 50 to 11

  1. Hôtel de Crillon (Paris, France)
  2. Six Sense Ibiza (Portinatx, Ibiza, Spain)
  3. Equinox New York (New York City, New York, United States of America)
  4. The Savoy (London, England, United Kingdom)
  5. NoMad London (London, England, United Kingdom)
  6. The Oberoi Amarvilas (Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India)
  7. Atlantis the Royal (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
  8. Badrutt’s Palace (St. Moritz, Switzerland)
  9. The Siam (Bangkok, Thailand)
  10. Eden Rock (St. Barths)
  11. Desa Potato Head (Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia)
  12. Hoshinoya Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
  13. Amangalla (Galle, Sri Lanka)
  14. The Newt (Bruton, England, United Kingdom)(winner of the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel)
  15. Soneva Jani (Maldives)
  16. Four Seasons Astir Palace (Athens, Greece)
  17. Cheval Blanc (Paris, France)
  18. Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes, France)
  19. Gleneagles Hotel (Auchterarder, Scotland, United Kingdom)(featured on the Bar Hacks podcast)(winner of the Art of Hospitality Award)
  20. La Réserve (Paris, France)
  21. Park Hyatt Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan)
  22. Le Bristol (Paris, France)
  23. Capella Singapore (Singapore)
  24. Rosewood São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil)
  25. The Maybourne Riviera (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France)
  26. Aman New York (New York City, New York, United States of America)
  27. Four Seasons Madrid (Madrid, Spain)
  28. Royal Mansour (Marrakech, Morocco)
  29. The Connaught (London, England, United Kingdom)
  30. Borgo Egnazia (Savelletri, Puglia, Italy)
  31. Le Sirenuse (Positano, Campania, Italy)
  32. Hotel Esencia (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  33. Nihi Sumba (Wanokaka, Sumba Island, Indonesia)
  34. Raffles Singapore (Singapore)
  35. Claridge’s (London, England, United Kingdom)
  36. Singita Lodges – Kruger National Park (Kruger National Park, South Africa)(winner of the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award)
  37. Aman Venice (Venice, Veneta, Italy)
  38. Chablé Yucatán (Chocholá, Yucatán, Mexico)
  39. The Calile (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
  40. Capella Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)(winner of the Nikka Best New Hotel Award)

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023: 10 to One

  1. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)
  2. Four Seasons Firenze (Florence, Tuscany, Italy)
  3. One&Only Mandarina (Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico)
  4. Soneva Fushi (Maldives)(winner of the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award)
  5. La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
  6. Aman Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
  7. The Upper House (Hong Kong)
  8. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (Bangkok, Thailand)
  9. Rosewood Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
  10. Passalacqua (Moltrasio, Como, Italy)

The Lodge at Blue Sky, a property in the Auberge Resorts Collection, in Park City, Utah, USA, earned the Lavazza One to Watch Award. Also, 28-year industry veteran Sonu Shivdasani OBE, the co-founder and CEO of Soneva, took home the SevenRooms Icon Award.

This year’s top hotel, Passalacqua, has been welcoming guests for barely a year. However, the property itself was built in the late 1700s for Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua.

After undergoing a three-year restoration, the intimate hotel proudly offers guests stunning views of Lake Como. Owned by the family behind the 84-key Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua features just 24 keys. The suites are spread out between the primary villa, the country-house-styled Palazz, and Casa al Lago, which is located close to the waters of Lake Como.

This is truly a deserving winner, an ultra-luxe but relaxing resort. Moreover, Passalacqua shows that a resort with just two dozen keys can compete against hotels several times its size.

Image: David Holbrook

KRG Hospitality. Boutique Hotels. Resorts. Properties. Consultant. Feasibility Study. Business Plan

The Matrix-style green, vertical characters on computer screen
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

AI Guesses 2023 Spirited Award Winners

AI Guesses 2023 Spirited Award Winners

by David Klemt

The Matrix-style green, vertical characters on computer screen

Ahead of the 17th annual Spirited Awards ceremony I asked a chatbot called Chat AI to guess the winner in each award category.

Before we get into the chatbot’s guesses, this is solely for entertainment. I’m not a programmer or engineer. I don’t pretend to know how to work with and get the most out of artificial intelligence. I thought this would be a bit of good fun.

In fact, I asked a very simple question, followed by the awards and nominees of each main category: “Can you guess the winner of each category below?”

That’s it—very simple. But, hey, if any of the guesses turn out to be accurate, that’s pretty cool. It will mean that Canada, New York, San Francisco, and Singapore are going to do well this year.

Another note: I couldn’t use ChatGPT, Bing AI, or Google Bard for this little project. It took some doing to find a chatbot that would tackle making award predictions.

Ultimately, it was AI Chat from DeepAI that made the guesses. It did so quickly and without hesitation.

Now, I can’t say that I know what criteria DeepAI AI Chat used to make its guesses. I have no idea if it crawled reviews and articles in a split second. Nor can I say that Chat AI did anything but apply random selection generation (that sounded techy, didn’t it?).

Again, this is really just for fun, so I’m not overly bothered by AI Chat’s methodology. The platform is not, to the best of my knowledge, affiliated in any way with Tales of the Cocktail or their judges. In fact, I didn’t even mention Tales of the Cocktail Foundation or the Spirited Awards when “conversing” with Chat AI.

US Categories

US Bartender of the Year presented by Pernod Ricard USA

Masahiro Urushido, Katana Kitten (New York, New York)

Best US Bar Mentor presented BarSmarts

Nectaly Mendoza

Best US Brand Ambassador presented Libbey

Vance Henderson (Hendrick’s Gin)

Best US Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons

Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco, California)

Best US Cocktail Bar presented by Absolut Vodka

Service Bar (Washington, DC)

Best US Hotel Bar presented by Grey Goose

Dear Irving on Hudson at the Aliz Hotel (New York, New York)

Best US Restaurant Bar presented by Amaro Montenegro and Select Aperitivo

Kumiko (Chicago, IL)

Best New US Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

Pacific Standard at the KEX Portland (Portland, Oregon)

International Categories

International Bartender of the Year presented by The Busker

Giorgio Bargiani, Connaught Bar (London, England, United Kingdom)

Best International Bar Mentor presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Agostino Perrone

Best International Brand Ambassador presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Daniyel Jones (House of Angostura)

Best International Bar Team presented by Angostura Caribbean Rum

Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain)

Best International Cocktail Bar presented by Patr​​ón Tequila

Atwater Cocktail Club (Montréal, Québec, Canada)

Best International Hotel Bar presented by Perrier

Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

Best International Restaurant Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Analogue Initiative (Singapore)

Best New International Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

Night Hawk (Singapore)

Global Categories

Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient presented by Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic

PATRÓN El Alto Tequila

World’s Best Cocktail Menu presented by Diageo Bar Academy

Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, Scotland)

World’s Best Spirits Selection presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Baba Au Rum (Athens, Greece)

Writing & Media Categories

Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Difford’s Guide

Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

The Speakeasy Podcast

Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

“The Great Mezcal Heist” by Emma Janzen, for Eater

Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Modern Classic Cocktails by Robert Simonson

Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

A SENSE OF PLACE: A Journey Around Scotland’s Whisky by Dave Broom

Image: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

KRG Hospitality tech stack consulting. Tech. Technology. CRM. POS. Restaurant. Bar. Cafe. Lounge. Hotel. Resort.

Cocktail with orange peel garnish resting on glossy white bar top
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Tales Reveals Top 4 Awards Finalists

Tales Reveals Top 4 2023 Spirited Awards Finalists

by David Klemt

Cocktail with orange peel garnish resting on glossy white bar top

We’re one month away from the 17th annual Spirited Awards ceremony and the top four nominees in each category have been revealed.

Over the course of the past few months, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation have been hard at work to narrow the field. They first announced this year’s honorees. Not long ago, they announced the top ten nominees.

Now, we know the top four nominees in the running for each of the Spirited Awards. You can check them out below, with each award organized into one of four main categories: US, International, Global, and Writing & Media.

Congrats to the finalists! We’ll know the winners in just a month.

Cheers!

US Categories

US Bartender of the Year presented by Pernod Ricard USA

  • Caer Maiko Ferguson, DrinkWell / Daijoubu (Austin, Texas)
  • Kapri Robinson, Allegory at the Eaton Hotel (Washington, DC)
  • Masahiro Urushido, Katana Kitten (New York, New York)
  • Christine Wiseman, Marygold’s Brasserie / Broken Shaker (Miami, Florida)

Best US Bar Mentor presented BarSmarts

  • Anu Apte
  • Colin Asare-Appiah
  • Nectaly Mendoza
  • Chris Patino

Best US Brand Ambassador presented Libbey

  • Kiowa Bryan (Spiribam)
  • Chris Cabrera (Bacardi USA)
  • Cameron George (Ardbeg Single Malts)
  • Vance Henderson (Hendrick’s Gin)

Best US Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons

  • Happy Accidents (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
  • Nickel City (Austin, Texas)
  • Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco, California)
  • Yacht Club (Denver, Colorado)

Best US Cocktail Bar presented by Absolut Vodka

  • Century Grand (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Double Chicken Please (New York, New York)
  • Overstory (New York, New York)
  • Service Bar (Washington, DC)

Best US Hotel Bar presented by Grey Goose

  • Allegory at the Eaton Hotel (Washington, DC)
  • Dear Irving on Hudson at the Aliz Hotel (New York, New York)
  • Hey Love at The Jupiter (Portland, Oregon)
  • Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott (Phoenix, Arizona)

Best US Restaurant Bar presented by Amaro Montenegro and Select Aperitivo

  • Café La Trova (Miami, Florida)
  • Cleaver Butchered Meats & Seafood (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • Kumiko (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Palomar (Portland, Oregon)

Best New US Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

  • Chez Zou (New York, New York)
  • Martiny’s (New York, New York)
  • Milady’s (New York, New York)
  • Pacific Standard at the KEX Portland (Portland, Oregon)

International Categories

International Bartender of the Year presented by The Busker

  • Gina Barbachano, Hanky Panky (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Giorgio Bargiani, Connaught Bar (London, England, United Kingdom)
  • Daniel Schofield, SCHOFIELD’S BAR (Manchester, England, United Kingdom)
  • Luke Whearty, BYRDI (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)

Best International Bar Mentor presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • Simone Caporale
  • Danil Nevsky
  • Agostino Perrone
  • Christina Veira

Best International Brand Ambassador presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • Caitlin Hill (Rémy Cointreau)
  • Daniyel Jones (House of Angostura)
  • Dave Mitton (Lot 40 / J.P. Wiser’s)
  • Nicola Riske (The Macallan)

Best International Bar Team presented by Angostura Caribbean Rum

  • ALQUÍMICO (Cartagena, Colombia)
  • Atwater Cocktail Club (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • Jigger & Pony at the Amara Hotel (Singapore)
  • Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain)

Best International Cocktail Bar presented by Patr​​ón Tequila

  • 🔶🟥🔵 (London, UK)
  • ALQUÍMICO (Cartagena, Colombia)
  • Atwater Cocktail Club (Montréal, Québec, Canada)
  • SIPS (Barcelona, Spain)

Best International Hotel Bar presented by Perrier

  • ARGO at the Four Seasons (Hong Kong)
  • BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
  • Jigger & Pony at the Amara Hotel (Singapore)

Best International Restaurant Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • Analogue Initiative (Singapore)
  • ARCA Restaurant & Bar (Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico)
  • Bar Kismet (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)
  • Danico (Paris, France)

Best New International Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

  • Last Word (Singapore)
  • Line Athens (Athens, Greece)
  • Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar (Bangkok, Thailand)
  • Night Hawk (Singapore)

Global Categories

Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient presented by Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic

  • Martini & Rossi Floreale Non Alcoholic Aperitivo
  • PATRÓN El Alto Tequila
  • Saint Benevolence Aged Rum Clairin
  • The Fords Gin Co. Sloe Gin

World’s Best Cocktail Menu presented by Diageo Bar Academy

  • ALQUÍMICO (Cartagena, Colombia)
  • Double Chicken Please (New York, New York)
  • Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
  • Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, Scotland)

World’s Best Spirits Selection presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • Baba Au Rum (Athens, Greece)
  • In Situ Mezcalería (Oaxaca, Mexico)
  • Raised by Wolves (San Diego, California)
  • Swift Soho (London, England, United Kingdom)

Writing & Media Categories

Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • CLASS Magazine
  • Difford’s Guide
  • Punch
  • The Cocktail Lovers Magazine

Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • Black and Brown Podcast
  • Radio Imbibe
  • Shōshin Art Club
  • The Speakeasy Podcast

Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • “The Drinks Industry Has an Ageism Problem” by Betsy Andrews, for SevenFifty Daily
  • “The Great Mezcal Heist” by Emma Janzen, for Eater
  • “The Secrets to the Best Dry Martini You’ll Ever Have” by David Wondrich, for The Daily Beast
  • “This Is What Decolonizing a Spirit Looks Like” by Adaorah Oduah, for Punch

Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails with 60 Recipes by Derek Brown
  • Modern Classic Cocktails by Robert Simonson
  • The Bartender’s Manifesto by Toby Maloney with Emma Janzen
  • The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails – Elevated and Expanded, edited by Steven Reddicliffe

Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

  • A SENSE OF PLACE: A Journey Around Scotland’s Whisky by Dave Broom
  • Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails by Camper English
  • Modern Caribbean Rum: A Contemporary Reference to the Region’s Essential Spirit by Matt Pietrek and Carrie Smith
  • Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Image: cottonbro studio on Pexels

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

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