Possibly The Best Bars in The World…
Bizarrely, Ireland does not get a single mention this year… how very dare they?! Do they not know we’ve got some of the best pubs and bars in the world to satisfy both cocktail aficionados and pint experts alike?
1. Connaught Bar, London
Needless to say we’re a little bit outraged and have put together our own list of the top 12 Irish pubs that the World’s 50 Best Bars list-makers need to visit before next year.
The lack of Irishness aside, the list has put together some spectacular international watering holes that are well worth a visit. So, if you want to discover some of the best bars outside of Ireland, then you can expect to find chic establishments from cities like London and Barcelona, as well as Shanghai bars with cocktail lists inspired by astrology, and art deco speakeasies in Mexico City.
Here’s a glimpse into the top five, and a look at some of the quirkiest other bars on the list…
THE TOP FIVE…
1. Connaught Bar, London:
The awards describes Connaught Bar as “the quintessential London hotel bar”, but with an Italian flair. This is the second year in a row it’s claimed the top spot, showing it’s worthy of a visit – just make sure to order the signature dry martini.
2. Tayer + Elementary, London:
This is a bar of two halves: first you have Elementary, in a relaxed, industrial-style space with big windows – and all the mixed drinks come pre-made, on tap.
When you pass through a partition you’ll reach Tayer – it’s darker, sexier, and the elaborate cocktails are made to order
3. Paradiso, Barcelona:
Not all is as it seems at Paradiso: to enter the bar, you first have to walk through a fridge door in a pastrami shop. Inside, the speakeasy is housed within curved wooden panels, and the drinks can be extravagant events – from a negroni served inside a mini dry ice ‘volcano’ to cocktails drunk from large shells.
4. The Clumsies, Athens:
This impressive establishment is housed in a townhouse, with multiple floors of moody bars, rustic wooden tables and a pool table. According to the awards, at The Clumsies you can order “some of the most inventive cocktails that can be found anywhere”.
5. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires:
This basement bar is hidden underneath a florist-meets-wine store, and pays tribute to Argentina’s indigenous communities with its cocktail menu.
A taste of the rest…
Salmon Guru in Madrid
Salmon Guru, Madrid:
The drinks at Salmon Guru have to be seen to be believed, with CN Traveller calling them “sippable works of art”. Cocktails are served in everything from a porcelain fire-breathing wolf to a glass egg – and the decor is just as outlandish to match.
El Copitas, St Petersburg:
Transport yourself to Mexico in this St Petersburg bar dedicated to all things agave.
Small but perfectly formed, expect tequila, mezcal and Mexican snacks to go with your drink.
Atlas, Singapore:
This ornate art deco bar has one particularly standout feature: an impressive tower of 1,300 different brands of gin. With leather booths and a plush red carpet, it feels straight out of the Great Gatsby.
Drink Kong, Rome:
The awards proclaim Drink Kong has “one of the coolest decors” in the business. Interiors are like a “Japanese Blade Runner”, with minimalist furniture and neon lights everywhere. 1930, Milan: Don’t expect easy entry to this mysterious Milanese bar. The address is secret – there’s no website and you won’t be able to Google it. You’ll have to charm your way into the bar, knowing the right people to ask instead. Once there, this establishment is all about Prohibition-era glamour and modern drinks (apparently).