This bar just snagged the title of the world’s best (good luck securing a spot)

Being crowned the best bar of 2020 is like being named the world’s most eligible bachelor, only to be stranded on a deserted island.

It might be a while before you can enjoy the perks of this prestigious title.

The ultra-exclusive London hotel bar that recently claimed the top spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list is now much harder to get into.

England entered a four-week lockdown on November 5, and unfortunately, the Connaught Bar—which had only just reopened in mid-September—is now closed again.

This year's awards were a little different, too.

Last November, the ceremony took place in London’s Roundhouse, where industry pros and journalists dressed to the nines for an evening of mingling, hugging, sipping cocktails, and snacking on street food.

This time, the dress code was more like 'business on top, party on the bottom,' as the event moved to a space we've all become far too familiar with: Zoom.

The Connaught Bar: Mayfair’s go-to for all things luxe.

The Connaught Bar: Masters of Mayfair elegance.

Despite these challenging times, Agostino Perrone, The Connaught’s head mixologist, and his team are overjoyed with their win. 'This is the achievement we’ve been working towards,' says Perrone.

The Connaught Hotel, a five-star landmark in Mayfair, has been a staple since its opening as the Prince of Saxe Coburg Hotel in 1815, and the bar, with its elegant 1920s style, boasts a remarkable history of its own.

Consistently ranked in the top 10 of the Best Bars list for the past 11 years, this marks the first time the Connaught has clinched the coveted number one spot.

Quality and consistency have been central to the bar’s success, says assistant manager Maura Milia. Nowhere is this more evident than in their iconic martinis, which are still available to enjoy as a takeaway.

The global hospitality industry has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Senior mixologist Giorgio Bargiani expressed gratitude to the Connaught Hotel for its support and shared how the team dedicated much of their time this year engaging with customers, colleagues, and the broader industry via social media.

Perrone, on the other hand, remains optimistic for the coming year, once the bar is able to open its doors again. 'Recognition always provides a boost of energy, a surge of creativity,' he reflects.

This cocktail, crafted at London’s Kwant bar, is called Heads and Tails.

This cocktail, created at London bar Kwant, goes by the name Heads and Tails. Courtesy of Kwant

Also in Mayfair, Kwant, a basement bar led by mixologist Erik Lorincz—who brought the American Bar at the Savoy to the top spot on the Best Bars list in 2017—ranked No. 6 on this year’s list and was awarded Best New Opening.

Opening in June 2019, it’s safe to say that its first year and a half has been anything but ordinary. 'I truly hope this is a one-off experience, and we’ll look back and say, 'wow, that was 2020,'' says Lorincz.

New York's Dante, which held the top spot last year, claimed second place this year. The friendly, subway-tiled bar in Greenwich Village is still up and running, unlike its London counterparts.

However, owner Linden Pride explains that business has been steady while the weather allowed for sidewalk seating. But with winter approaching, they’re now 'restricted to 25% capacity inside, which means only 18 guests at a time.'

The World’s 50 Best Bar Academy consists of 540 industry professionals from across the globe, with an equal gender representation.

The judging took place between January 2019 and March 2020—only slightly impacted by the pandemic—with votes cast in July.

Dante, located in New York City, has been crowned the Best Bar in North America.

Dante, in New York, has been named North America's Best Bar. Courtesy of Dante

As usual, the top spot saw a fierce battle between New York and London, but Asia made a remarkable showing on the 50 Best list, with four bars from Singapore alone ranking in the top 15.

Singapore’s Atlas took the title of Best Bar in Asia, while Hong Kong’s Coa, at No. 8, claimed the Highest Climber award. Tokyo’s whisky and cigar haven, The SG Club, ranked No. 10 as Japan’s highest-placed bar.

Athens’ The Clumsies, a long-time favorite on the list, achieved its highest-ever ranking this year, coming in at No. 3.

London’s Tayer-Elementary, located on Old Street in the city’s east, claimed the Highest New Entry title, with owner Alex Kretana calling it 'a nice bit of positivity for both our team and ourselves.'

Buenos Aires’ Floreria Atlantico, ranked No. 7, had double reasons to celebrate – it was named Best Bar in South America, and Renato Giovannoni took home the Bartenders’ Bartender award.

Maybe Sammy in Sydney, ranked No. 11, made a huge leap from No. 43 in 2019, while also winning the Art of Hospitality Award.

Meanwhile, Cartagena’s Alquimico bagged the Sustainable Bar Award, and Dubai’s Galaxy Bar earned the title of 2020’s One to Watch.

This year, 50 Best expanded its role from simply curating lists to raising funds through its '50 Best for Recovery' project, which is helping support restaurants globally.

As for the 50 Best Bar awards next year, William Drew, 50 Best’s director of content, comments, 'It’s really a wait-and-see situation.'

'We’re exploring a variety of options, as we believe 50 Best has a vital role to play in supporting the hospitality industry during these challenging times. How we do that will continue to evolve,' Drew adds.