Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2024: A Newcomer Takes the Crown
The highly anticipated list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2024 has been released, with a surprising twist at the top. Bar Leone, an Italian-inspired cocktail haven located in central Hong Kong, has seized the number one spot, a remarkable feat given that it has been open for just about a year.
Bar Leone’s Meteoric Rise
Bar Leone’s co-founder, Lorenzo Antinori, was caught off guard by the victory. “We were not expecting this,”. Antinori, originally from Rome, had once aspired to a career in law but found his passion behind the bar. Reflecting on the bar scene in Hong Kong, Antinori highlighted its vibrancy, particularly noting the surge of creativity and new business models emerging post-pandemic. “Diversity and energy: those are the words we associate with the bar community here,” he added.
A Celebration of Excellence
The awards ceremony took place at the prestigious Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong’s Kowloon district on July 16. The list is determined by votes from industry professionals, media, and mixology experts who evaluate bars based on drink quality, service level, and the all-important “vibe.”
Bar Leone’s victory ends the three-year reign of another Hong Kong favorite, Coa, a mezcal-centric bar. Coa, led by Jay Khan, landed in fourth place this year, with Khan graciously cheering for Bar Leone’s success. Khan’s new venture, The Savory Project, was also recognized as the year’s best new opening.
Singapore Shines, Newcomers Emerge
Singapore made a strong showing with 11 bars in the top 50, highlighting the city-state’s thriving cocktail scene. Notably, Craftroom in Osaka and CMYK in Changsha made history by being the first bars from their respective cities to be included on the list. Craftroom debuted at 28th place, while CMYK secured the 43rd spot.
A new category, Best Bar Design, was introduced this year, with the award going to Singapore’s Atlas, a gin-focused bar known for its stunning interiors. In addition, Demie Kim of Seoul’s Zest, which placed second overall, was honored as the Bartender’s Bartender for his dedication to sustainability in the bar industry.
The Future of Asia’s Bar Scene
Emma Sleight, head of content for 50 Best Bars and 50 Best Hotels, praised Asia’s dynamic bar scene, describing it as “one of the best in the world, incredibly young and ever-changing.” With new bars constantly emerging, she emphasized that each visit to an Asian city offers a fresh experience.
As the night ended, Antinori joyfully proclaimed, “Free drinks at Bar Leone for everyone tonight!” before cheekily confirming with his colleagues, “The bar is closed tonight, right?”
Bar Leone’s stunning ascent to the top marks a new chapter in Asia’s vibrant cocktail culture, with many more exciting developments surely on the horizon.
Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2024 – Top 10
- Bar Leone (Hong Kong)
- Zest (Seoul)
- Jigger & Pony (Singapore)
- Coa (Hong Kong)
- Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo)
- Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore)
- BKK Social Club (Bangkok)
- Penrose (Kuala Lumpur)
- Argo (Hong Kong)
- The Aubrey (Hong Kong)
With the 2024 list setting new benchmarks, it’s clear that Asia’s bar scene is evolving rapidly, making it an exhilarating space for both cocktail enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
