Now in its 17th year, the World’s 50 Best Bars has taken place in London, Barcelona, Madrid, and Singapore. This will be the second time it’s being held in Asia, and Hong Kong’s lively bar scene makes it a fitting host. The 2025 list will be announced on October 8 at a live event at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Kowloon.
Drink industry professionals and bar flies heading to Hong Kong can expect a packed week of events. It starts on October 7 with the Bartenders’ Feast, a private dinner for the teams behind the bars expected to make the list. The main awards night takes place the next day, followed by a Closing Party on October 9.
During the week, the city will also host the 50 Best Signature Sessions, a series of one-night-only guest shifts and collaborations between local venues and top bars from around the world. Last year, Penicillin hosted Zest from Seoul (ranked No. 2 and winner of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award) and Himkok from Oslo (ranked No. 11) for a night of sustainable cocktails. Coa, Sips, and Handshake Speakeasy did a joint takeover dubbed Tres Números Unos.
Several special awards will be announced before the ceremony. These include the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, given to a bar known for excellent service, and the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, which is voted on by fellow bar professionals. The list of bars ranked from 51 to 100 will also be released ahead of the main event.
The final list is based on votes from the World’s 50 Best Voting Academy, made up of more than 700 bartenders, writers, and cocktail experts from 28 regions. Each person shares eight of their best bar experiences from the past 18 months.
For real-time updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes access, visit theworlds50best.com.
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