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trend.

Photography:Courtesyofvenues,selectedcourtesyofJaredBrownBysimoNmCgorAm

Emailsmcgoram@spantonmedia.com

Gary reGanCelebrated drinks writer and legendary bartender

anGus WinChester the ‘walking drinks encyclopaedia’

naren younGtravelling ‘tender and drinks writer

Paul Wootton editor, restaurant magazine, uK

Ben DaviDson‘Cocktail Chef’ and Pernod ricard spirits ambassador

Pat nourseFeatures editor, Gourmet traveller, australia

tomas estes tequila ambassador to the uK and europe

Charlie ainsBuryaustralian Bartender magazine Bartender of the year 2007

niCK ravenhallnew Zealand Bartender magazine Bartender of the year 2007

Grant Collinsmanaging Director of Bar solutions consultancy

JaCoB Briars42 Below vodka Professor and treasurer of the south Gin Club

Jason CraWleymaxium australia’s jetsetting mixxologist

John GaKuru Global Brand ambassador for sagatiba Cachaça

sven almenninGCreator of Behind Bars industry services

tom sanDhameditor, Class magazine, uK

helmut aDameditor, mixology magazine, Germany

DaviD sPanton managing Director, spanton media Group

simon DiFForDCreator of Difford’s Guide

marCo Faraone Director of Flavour Bar services

Dre massoCo-founder of Worldwide Cocktail Club

roBBie BarGh Founder and Director of Gorgeous Group

Xavier PaDovanihendrick’s Gin Global Brand ambassador

anDy GauntDiageo’s reserve Brands Group

The Panel

Bartender Magazine’s

Annual World’s Top 20 BarsBartender magazine’s inaugural World’s Top 20 Bars kicked up a bit of a

storm last year in terms of reader response. What exactly does it take for a bar to be considered amongst the world’s best? Who really belongs in the

list? We’ve decided that it comes down to personal preferences and tastes. What more can we ask our judges to give us? Sticking to this philosophy, Bartender magazine has set no criteria for judges’ choices.

We’ve done our best to steer away from bar owners this year in our extended panel of brand ambassadors, magazine editors, drinks authors, consultants and other globetrotting luminaries. Those on the panel that do have a financial interest in a bar have been chosen for their official ‘ambassadorship’ roles and were not allowed to vote for their own venues.

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, a big thank you to all of our superstar judges for their contributions. It is with great pleasure that we now bring you their World’s Top 20 Bars.

Der Raum, Melbourne438 Church Street, Richmond, Melbourne, Australia +61 3 9428 0055

Pegu Club, New York 77 W Houston Street, New York, USA +1 212 473 7348

Dry Martini Bar, Barcelona C/ Aribau 162, Barcelona, Spain +34 932 175 080

LAB, London12 Old Compton Street, Soho, London, England +44 20 7437 7820

honourable mentionsthefollowing(innoparticularorder)isalistoffantasticbarsaroundtheworldthatdeserveaplug.stillmoreofourjudges’interestingchoiceswereomitted,forspacereasons.

Bourbon and Branch, San Francisco501 Jones Street, San Francisco, USA +1 415 346 1735

Colony Room, London41 Dean Street, London, England+44 20 7437 9179

Widder Bar, ZürichRennweg 7, Zürich, Switzerland +41 44 224 24 11

Hussong’s Cantina , Ensenada Avenue Ruiz 113, Zona Centro, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico (unlisted)

Merchant Hotel Bar, Belfast35-39 Waring Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland+44 28 9023 4888

Hemmesphere, SydneyLevel 4, 252 George Street, Sydney, Australia +61 2 9240 3040

The Lonsdale, London48 Lonsdale Road, London, England +44 20 7727 4080

The American Bar @ The Savoy, LondonThe Savoy Hotel, The Strand, London, England+44 20 7836 4343

Mahiki, London 5-7 Dover Street, London, England +44 20 7493 9529

The Matterhorn, Wellington106 Cuba Street, Wellington, New Zealand +64 4 384 3359

Black Pearl, Melbourne304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia +61 3 9417 0455

Pinchitos, London32 Featherstone Street, Shoreditch, London, England +61 20 7490 0121

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1 7 . Mon tgome r 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

committed and talented bartender teams in the world.”

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20. Melbourne

Supper Club, MelbourneUpstairs, 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

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…”

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Happiness, London177 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, England

+44 20 7727 2700

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.”

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16. Star Bar Ginza,

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 and respectful, while entertaining. “The

cocktails are superb” enthuses one judge.

13. The

Experimental Cocktail Club, Paris

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.

15. Harry’s New

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

included the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald and George Gershwin. To top it all

off, Harry’s is 97 years old and still going strong!

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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.”

11. The Bar @ The

Dorchester, London 53 Park Lane, London, England

+44 20 7629 8888

At number 11 is The Bar at London’s Dorchester hotel. The opulent interior is spiked by signature features like dramatic red 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”.

10. Shochu

Lounge, London37 Charlotte Street, London, England

+44 20 7580 9666

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 with one of our judges. “My fave bar! Unpretentious, adjacent to a great restaurant, and Tony C’s cocktail

list shows remarkable attention to detail,” raves one panellist. “Warm, friendly and well trained

staff – a great bar for a casual beer, shochu or intimate cocktail,” adds another.

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.

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5. Le Lion de

Paris, HamburgRathausstr. 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 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 bartending talents”.

7. Death & Co.,

New York433 East 6th Street, New York, USA

+1 212 388 0882

Another new member of the Top 20 club. Despite its name, this cool, jazzy lounge isn’t all doom and gloom. The bar takes its name from the Prohibition logic that to live with alcohol was to “live a life shadowed by death”. Understandably, this venue steers towards the atmospheric as opposed to the riotous, to complement

its fine wines, spirits and cocktails. “This bar is what you expect to find if you’re in search of

New York’s liquid history” explains a judge. “Dark, hidden and filled with a sense

of ironic decay. Superb!”

6. Bayswater

Brasserie, Sydney32 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, Sydney, Australia

+61 2 9357 2177

The only Aussie bar to sneak into the top 10 this year – Sydney’s Bayswater Brasserie remains globally respected. The ‘Bayz’ is a multi-award winner at the Australian bar awards and is known for attracting fine staff to man its zinc 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.

8. Flatiron

Lounge, New York37 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.”

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Milk & Honey, London

61 Poland Street, Soho, London, England +44 20 7292 9949

Although opening after Milk & Honey NYC, the London address has snuck ahead by an inch to claim the number one spot for a

second year! Jonathan Downey is a leviathan of an operator, with his bars earning recognition the world over, but none quite like this, his flagship venue. The bar, like the New York operation, has a strict reservations and referrals-only policy which ensures a high standard of service and drinks far from the madding crowd. “The drinks are exceptional and are constantly being refreshed,”

says one judge. “Top marks to a bar that leads the way in an already highly skilled trade.” Another adds; “Rarely do you

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.”

2. 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 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. two.

3. PDT

(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 York cocktail bar. Entry is via a phone booth in a hotdog store and the irony of expertly crafted cocktails followed by deep 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.”

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4 . Salvatore at Fifty, London

50 St James’s Street, London, England +44 870 415 5050

One of only two bars to remain in our top five from the inaugural World’s Top 20 Bars. “This is what a classic London cocktail bar is and should be” explains a panellist. “The ideal spot in town, good for late drinks, the whole thing orchestrated by the maestro himself

– Salvatore Calabrese.” There has been a casino on the site since 1827, but recent refurbishments

and the legendary bartender for which this establishment is named have brought

this venue firmly into the new century.

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