From Top 5 best bar in 2016, Manhattan bar in Singapore bags the Top 1 - Asia's Best Bar in 2017
Today - 21st June 2017, the second annual ranking of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was announced, revealing the definitive list of Asia’s most celebrated drinking establishments. As the most prestigious and credible accolade of its kind, the list provides the ultimate guide to the top bars in the region.
Almost 200 industry experts from across Asia were hand-picked to vote for Asia’s 50 Best Bars. The result is a diverse and eclectic mix of bars from 14 cities in 10 countries, with restaurant bars, speakeasies, hotel bars and tiki-themed venues populating the list. Asia’s 50 Best Bars also boasts 18 new entries in its second year, reflecting the dynamic nature of Asia’s bar scene.
Singapore’s Manhattan claims the title of Best Bar in Asia for the first time, taking over from last year’s No.1, 28 Hongkong Street, also in Singapore. Led by Bar Manager Philip Bischoff, Manhattan has a meticulously crafted cocktail menu inspired by the golden age of fine drinking. The striking interior is reminiscent of a grand hotel bar, where modern elements are combined with old New York glamour and sophistication. After climbing four places from last year, Manhattan cements its status as a heavyweight in Asia’s cocktail scene.
Top 02 - Speak Low, Shanghai China and awarded as Best Bar in China
Top 07 - Quinary, Hong Kong
For the second year, Singapore leads Asia’s fine drinking scene. The city boasts 13 bars in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, with 28 HongKong Street (No.4) and Operation Dagger (No.6) sitting alongside Manhattan in the top 10. Four new bars from Singapore enter the list for the first time, including Atlas (No.12), Employees Only Singapore (No.17), Native (No.20) and Nutmeg & Clove (No.30).
Top 08 - Stockton, Hong Kong and awarded as the Highest Climber
Top 10 - Lobster Bar, Hong Kong
Top 13 - The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and awarded as Best Bar in Thailand
With an impressive 12 bars named in the ranking, including eight in Hong Kong alone, China closely follows Singapore at the helm of Asian cocktail culture. Established by Shingo Gokan, speakeasy bar Speak Low in Shanghai retains its position at No.2 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. China is the second most represented country with a strong presence in the top ten, with Quinary (No.7), Stockton (No.8), and Lobster Bar (No.10) – all in Hong Kong – joining Shanghai’s The Union Trading Company (No.9) and Speak Low in the line-up.
Top 17 - Employees Only Singapore, Singapore
Top 19 - Sober Company, Shanghai China
Top 24 - Zuma, Hong Kong
This year, Japan boasts six bars in the list, with five hailing from Tokyo and one new entry, Lamp Bar (No.36), from the city of Nara. High Five in Tokyo maintains its third-place position on the list, which has been made possible by the international reputation of one of Japan’s most famous mixologists, Hidetsugu Ueno.
Other leading destinations on the list include Indulge Experimental Bistro in Taipei (No.5 and Best Bar in Taiwan), Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok (No. 13 and Best Bar in Thailand), Alice Cheongdam in Seoul (No.15 and Best Bar in Korea) and Aer Bar & Lounge in Mumbai (No.37 and Best Bar in India).
Top 29 - D.Bespoke, Singapore
Top 41 - Omakase + Appreciate, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and awarded as Best Bar in Malaysia
Produced by William Reed Business Media – which also owns The World's 50 Best Bars, The World's 50 Best Restaurants and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants – the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars is the most influential and respected survey of its kind.
William Drew, Group Editor of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, said: “Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2017 builds on its successful debut last year with an even more diverse and credible list that reflects the exciting, varied and dynamic bar scene across the region. It provides discerning drinkers with an unrivalled guide to the premier destinations in Asia, and celebrates the dedication, skill and creativity of leading players in the mixology game.”
Asia's 50 Best Bars is the only regional ranking to be published alongside internationally renowned The World's 50 Best Bars, which host its prestigious awards event annually in October.
PHILIPPINES have two bars in the top 50, with The Curator Coffee & Cocktails (No.23) in Manila achieving best bar in Philippines, closely followed by ABV (No.45) in Makati.
In 2016 awards - The Curator Coffee & Cocktails ranked as Top 16, while ABV ranked as Top 14.
To know more about the 2016 Best Bar in Asia, you may check it here.
If you are looking for cheap Singapore tour package, you may check here.
Wow! The best in Asia. And I love the fact that the employees are all properly and neatly dressed. Classique!
ReplyDeleteYeah I noticed it too. Sloppy bars are out, welcome for the classic bars!
DeleteWow! This place does look very sophisticated and has so much class! Will drop by when I go to Singapore in August!
ReplyDeleteYeah you must Claudine! I'm planning to drop by next month.
DeleteOMG!!! The bar counter of Manhattan Bar looks so picturesque, looks exactly like a movie setting scene.
ReplyDeletePutting this in my next visit list in Singapore!
xx
Puiyeesss
Hello Sam,
DeleteYeah please visit Manhattan Bar! This is the second time they are listed as best bar in Singapore.
These bars look so luxurious, they don't look like bars at all. I don't drink so I hardly go to any but this is good information to know!
ReplyDeleteJust like Sam said, they look like in a movie setting!
DeleteThis is a nice bar. Wish I could go there.
ReplyDeleteOh you must try to visit Manhattan Bar first :)
DeleteWow, manhattan bar got it top 1 and this should be on my bucket list. Thanks for the top list. I never know there are so many beautiful bars - Racheal foodilifecious
ReplyDeleteHello Racheal,
DeleteAsia have many other beautiful and chic bars that are not yet listed in Top 50, and that's interesting part - I want to add this to my travel agenda and visit all of them!
Although I will probably never go to Asia, this was a great read!
ReplyDeleteAnd may we know why "NEVER GO TO ASIA?"
DeleteManhattan is one of my favorite places in the world. This bar looks absolutely fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yeah Manhattan, New York is also the best.
DeleteI don't get out to bars much due to having special needs children and I definitely don't get out of the country. But this place looks amazing and I would totally love to experience a place like this.
ReplyDeleteYou don't need to visit the bar. Be creative and have the bar goes to your place! Set up your own bar corner :)
DeleteWow this is interesting, I love drinking and Omakase + Appreciate looks like the place my friend & I will enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHello Shin,
DeleteLet me know when you stop-by at Omakase :)
Those places look so relaxing. I could see myself hanging out with friends ate them.
ReplyDeleteAnd a little cocktail like Mojito will be perfect!
DeleteLobster bar! I wondering did they actually sell a lobster too?
ReplyDeleteYES They are! Oh you should visit this bar and enjoy the foods (forget about the drink if you don't like it).
Deletethis is amazing.. and I guess well worth their rank since it look just so super stylish and classy as well...
ReplyDeleteYes! I am now adding these bars to my travel itinerary and I want to know their standards.
DeleteWow, the Mahattan bar look so elegant. Check out the bar tender. Skillful and look good in appearance.
ReplyDeleteI know right! They are wise to employ good looking bartenders. They are the prime ambassadors of the bar!
DeleteSo many nice bars around. I'd love to visit them all
ReplyDeleteMe too and I am excited! I will raid the best bars of Malaysia this September!
DeleteCongrats to Manhattan Bar in Singapore. The place looks so cozy. I will recommend it to my aunt and her friends.
ReplyDeleteThey did great! Hope they will keep on top for long!
DeleteThat looks like an amazing bar. I have never been to Asia, but may plan a trip there some day!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Aimee!
DeleteI can imagine how good the bartenders are in the Manhattan Bar. I don't regularly go to bars nowadays, but if I do want to hang out, I really look for a bar that offers the best service. I don't just go to bars for a drink but for a relaxing drink...
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know the feeling.
DeleteWhenever I visit the bar, here's what I do check:
1. interior design
2. design of bar counter and drink available
3. wondering what is their most expensive wine (though I have no intention to order, LOL).
4. if the sounds are pleasing to my ear.
5. best location to sit down and chill.
These sound amazing, and the photos you shared look great too!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Keep on exploring my blog :)
DeleteThis place look awesome, wish to dropby on my next trip.
ReplyDeletePlease do Kelly! Let us know your review soon.
DeleteInteresting list! I don't visit bar or clubs nowadays, but once a while I would love to visit with my hub!
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon,
DeleteTry some of the bars in my list!
I love the ambiance. The floors are gorgeous too http://www.parentinghealthy.com/
ReplyDeleteThank you Erinn. Bars need to be posh as much as possible.
DeleteWow, these bars are absolutely stunning. I don't get out much lol, but I don't think we have any fancy bars like this in my area. Maybe I've just never noticed them.
ReplyDeleteNow you know already Missy. Mark this on your calendar!
DeleteI;d love to visit Asia and see some of these. I can see why they made the list!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Alaina, and I hope you will visit Asia soon. :)
DeleteOh so many fun bars to check out, my fave is the manhattan bar! Bookmarking these for when I visit.
ReplyDeletexx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com
Thank you Kusum! Manhattan Bar Singapore is the King this year!
DeleteThis place looks amazing for partying
ReplyDeleteBring your best pals!
Delete