What is The World’s 50 Best Bars?
Who won last year?
Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City was named the World’s Best Bar in 2024. The bar draws inspiration from the storied Prohibition era, with Art Deco-esque interiors evocative of The Great Gatsby. The beverage program is succinct, but each drink is crafted using advanced culinary techniques and often requires up to 48 hours from start to finish.
When is The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 awards ceremony taking place?
For the first time in its history, The World’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony is landing in Hong Kong. It will take place at on the evening of October 8 at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, overlooking Victoria Harbour.
What can we expect?
With the world’s leading cocktail and beverage experts will converge in Hong Kong, you can bet that The World’s 50 Best Bars is making the most of it. In addition to the awards ceremony on the 8th, the Academy will host the Bartenders’ Feast the night prior, giving the teams behind the soon-to-be-ranked establishments an opportunity to mingle. They will also revive the 50 Best Signature Sessions, featuring exclusive collaborations among top cocktail venues at some of Hong Kong’s hottest watering holes. Bars all across the city are also hosting a riveting lineup of guest shifts to celebrate and we’ve compiled some of the most anticipated events below.
Ahead of the big night, The World’s 50 Best Bars has also revealed other compelling awards. Recognised for their exceptional service and dedication to honouring Peruvian culture, Lady Bee in Lima was recently announced winner of the Mitcher’s Art of Hospitality Award. Meanwhile, the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award will be presented to an individual who has significantly influenced the bartending community. The World’s 50 Best Bars celebrations will culminate in a closing party on October 9.
World’s 50 Best Bars guest shifts and events you won’t want to miss:
Sunday Funday at Honky Tonks Tavern
When: Doors open from 2pm with guest shifts starting at 5pm, October 5
Where: Man Hing Lane, Soho, Central
A hot-dog filled Colorado-style party with Yacht Club at Call Me AL
When: 9.30pm til late, October 5
Where: G/F, 123 Queens Road West, Sheung Wan
The Aubrey x BARSTARS Global World’s 50 Best Bars Welcoming Party, sponsored by The Orientalist Spirits
When: 8pm to 1AM, October 6
Where: 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central
Best of NYC at Gokan
When: 6pm to 12am, October 6
Where: G/F, 30 Ice House Street, Central
Quinary: Alquímico (Cartagena) and Clemente (São Paulo)
When: 6pm to 9pm, October 6
Where: 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central
The Pre-50 Best Dim Sum Party at Lin Heung Lau
When: 3 to 5pm, October 6
Where: 160–164 Wellington Street, Central
**Reservations only
Artifact hosts ATLAS
When: 8pm until sold out, October 6
Where: LG/F, Basehall 02, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central
DarkSide hosts Natale Palmieri of Cinquanta – Spirito Italiano (Italy)
When: 9pm to 12am, October 6
Where: 2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Campari x Bourke’s presents G’Day Hong Kong!
When: 3pm until late, October 6
Where: 46 Peel Street, Central
Le French Takeover at Jean-Pierre
When: 6pm to 9pm, October 6
Where: 9 Bridges Street, Central
Solisca Tequila Launch Party at YUME
When: 8pm til late, October 6
Where: On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central
**By invitation only
Kinsman METABEV IN&OUT Program: Laizhou Master Relay
When: 5pm to 1am, October 7
Where: 65 Peel Street, Central
Honky’s 5th Anniversary: 5 Years of Mucho Danger
When: 5pm until late, October 7
Where: Man Hing Lane, Soho, Central
Avoca 8-Hands After Party with Monkey Thief (New York) and TIAO (Beijing)
When: 11pm til late, October 8
Where: 38/F, Mondrain Hong Kong, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Terrible Baby welcomes Allegory of Eaton DC (Washington, USA)
When: 7pm until sold out, October 9
Where: 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon
Top London bar Satan’s Whiskers takes over Bourke’s
When: 5pm to 8pm, October 9
Where: 46 Peel Street, Central
10th Anniversary PONTYPALOOZA at The Pontiac
When: 4pm onwards, October 10
Where: 13 Old Bailey Street, Central
Editor
VOGUE HONG KONGCredit
Lead image: Courtesy of Bar Leone
