BKK Social Club, the showpiece cocktail venue at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, led the way as Asia’s top place for tippling as the annual list of The World’s 50 Best Bars was unveiled this week.
Ranked #13 on the list, the bar has been a strong hit with visitors and critics alike. Mixologist Philip Bischoff looks after the drinks here, and his creations — inspired by the glamour and lifestyle of Buenos Aires — are befitting of acclaim.
Staged in Singapore, it was the first time in its history that the awards had been held in Asia. And the ceremony once again celebrated the excellence of the international drinks sector, paying tribute to the visionary bartenders, enterprising bar owners and trailblazing brands that lead the charge in shaping cocktail culture around the world.
Establishments from 28 cities gave the ceremony a cosmopolitan feel. The top winner was Sips in Barcelona, while London was the city with the highest number of venues on the list with a total of five (including two in the top ten).
In the host city of Singapore, Jigger & Pony is at No.14 alongside Sago House (No.32) and re-entry Atlas at No.48.
They are joined by Seoul newcomer Zest, winner of this year’s Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, at No.18. Founders Demie Kim, Sean Woo, Jisu Park and Noah Kwon are paving the way to a more sustainable future behind the bar with a zero-waste approach that celebrates the finest local flavours alongside house-made innovations.
Bangkok, Hong Kong and Tokyo each feature two bars in the list, with Bangkok’s BKK Social Club taking the top spot as The Best Bar in Asia and welcoming neighbour Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, entering at No.19.
Tokyo stalwart Bar Benfiddich (No.37) is joined by The SG Club, which re-enters the list at No.36. Hong Kong is represented by Coa at No.20 and Argo at No.34.
In Dubai, newcomer Mimi Kakushi storms into the list at No.40 as The Best Bar in The Middle East and Africa, joined by Galaxy Bar at No.50.
The winner of the inaugural Bareksten Best Bar Design Award is Night Hawk in Singapore. Founded by renowned Singapore bartender Peter Chua in May 2022, the speakeasy’s enigmatic interiors have been meticulously designed to offer an intimate, immersive experience that combines retro and futuristic elements.
“At 50 Best, we take great pride in highlighting the unparalleled diversity of the global bar industry and we extend our sincere congratulations to each bar that has earned a place on this illustrious ranking,” said William Drew of 50 Best.
“We have once again seen the number of cocktail cities represented here increase, and hope this list continues to ignite the spark of wanderlust for cocktail lovers around the world.”