The world’s best bars of 2021 have been announced

Sorry, USA – Europe has left you behind in the cocktail stakes.

Historically, the World’s 50 Best Bars list has often seen New York and London battling for the top spot.

However, in the 2021 edition, revealed at an awards ceremony in London, the UK capital claims the top two spots, while New York only has two bars in the top 30.

This year’s list is more global than ever, featuring bars from 17 countries in the top 50, with 18 newcomers from Australia, India, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, China, and the UAE.

After a virtual ceremony in 2020, this year's event returned to an in-person format at London’s Roundhouse. However, new entry requirements in the UK due to the Omicron variant meant overseas guests had to undergo last-minute PCR tests and self-isolation before attending.

London dominates the top two positions

The Connaught Bar: A Mayfair icon of luxury.

The Connaught Bar: The epitome of opulence in Mayfair. The Connaught

London’s Connaught Bar claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year, becoming only the third bar in the awards' 13-year history to achieve this feat.

The luxurious Connaught Hotel has been a staple of Mayfair since its opening as the Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel in 1815. The 1920s Cubist-inspired bar, which debuted in 2008, was designed by the late David Collins.

Led by director of mixology Agostino Perrone, head mixologist Giorgio Bargiani, and bar manager Maura Milia, The Connaught team has perfected a winning formula of impeccable drinks and service in a sophisticated atmosphere. A highlight of the bar is its Martini trolley, offering a personalized experience for guests.

Tayēr + Elementary, Alex Kratena’s bar on London’s Old Street, soared to No. 2 after claiming last year’s Highest New Entry honor.

Also in Mayfair, basement bar Kwant – led by mixologist Erik Lorincz, who brought the American Bar at the Savoy to the top of the Best Bars list in 2017 – landed at No. 31, a drop from No. 6 last year.

A taste of the Big Apple

Ranked at No. 10, Katana Kitten, a Japanese-style bar in New York’s West Village, was the highest-ranked US bar on the list.

Subway-tiled Dante in Greenwich Village, which claimed the top spot in 2019, fell to No. 30 this year. Miami’s Cafe La Trova sits at No. 28, while New York’s Attaboy ranks at No. 32.

Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour, at No. 6, was named Best Bar in North America, with the city also represented by Hanky Panky at No. 12, Handshake Speakeasy at No. 25, and Baltra Bar at No. 38.

Buenos Aires challenged New York’s cocktail dominance, with Florería Atlántico rising to No. 5 and retaining the Best Bar in South America title, while Presidente earned the Highest Climber award by jumping 29 spots to No. 21. Tres Monos, ranked No. 33, made a strong debut.

Spain tops Europe

Giacomo Giannotti's Paradiso is a Mediterranean-inspired speakeasy, hidden behind the freezer door of a pastrami bar.

Giacomo Giannotti's Paradiso, a Mediterranean-style speakeasy, is accessed through the freezer door of a pastrami bar. Paradiso/The World's 50 Best

Spain led Europe with four bars on the list, including Barcelona’s Paradiso and Two Schmucks at No. 3 and No. 11. Madrid’s Salmon Guru ranked No. 24 and won the Michter’s Art of Hospitality award.

Russia outshone the US, with St. Petersburg’s El Copitas at No. 8 and Moscow’s Insider Bar at No. 13.

Hong Kong’s Coa rose to No. 7 and was named Best Bar in Asia, while Singapore led in total entries with six bars, topped by Jigger & Pony at No. 9. The city also boasts a Manhattan bar at No. 15, a nod to New York’s lost title.

The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy consists of industry experts from across the globe. The voting took place from March 2020 to September 2021.