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Header image courtesy of Asia’s 50 Best Bars
On the evening of 28 April 2022, the seventh edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was unveiled, marking an anticipated return with a distinguished, in-person presentation after a two-year, pandemic-related pause. Broadcasted to Hong Kong audiences from the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, the event had viewers cheering on the city’s favourite bars, old and new.
Once again claiming the top spot is Hong Kong-based Coa for the second year in a row. Known for its broad selection of agave spirits, presented in an elegantly sparse and dim-lit space along Shin Hing Street in Central, the bar is helmed by Jay Khan, an award-winning mixologist who was honoured with Bartenders’ Bartender Award back in 2020 as well.
A total of eight Hong Kong bars made the top 50 list, with Argo in third place, followed by Darkside, Quinary, Penicillin, The Pontiac, The Wise King, and The Aubrey. Additionally, Honky Tonks Tavern was named as the recipient of the Campari One To Watch Award 2022.
Other top winners from across Asia include Jigger & Pony, MO Bar, and Manhattan in Singapore; Tesouro in Colvá; Bar Benfiddich in Tokyo; Charles H in Seoul; BKK Social Club in Bangkok; and Indulge Experimental Bistro in Taipei.
Established by an academy of 250 bar experts who span from bartenders and bar owners to drinks educators, writers, and even cocktail aficionados, the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list is a comprehensive roster which showcases the region’s top watering holes. Winners are selected by way of voting and their placements on the list are judged according to the virtuosic expertise of the panellists spread across the continent.
An array of other special awards was also part of the itinerary, with the Roku Industry Icon and the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award granted to select individuals. Bars could also stand to win honours such as the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, London Essence Best New Opening Award, Nikka Highest Climber Award, Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award, Campari One to Watch Award, and more.
For the complete list of winners announced at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, click here.
Always down for an adventure, Alisa’s general approach to life (and anything, really) is to “just go with the flow.” She believes that the most unforgettable moments are the most spontaneous ones. One thing she will always be certain of, however, is her love for the band My Chemical Romance and potato-based food.
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