Into a bar Mexico which ‘evokes the bygone era of the Hollywood speakeasy’ was voted the best in the world.
Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City is number 1 in the World’s 50 Best Bars Awards 2024 – Mexico’s first ever winner – while London retains its crown as the cocktail capital of Europe.
The continent has 19 pubs on the list and four are in the UK capital – No.4 Tayer + Elementary School, Connaught Bar at no. 13, Satan’s whiskers at no. 29 and Scarves Bar on no. 37. Elsewhere in the UK, Panda & Sons in Edinburgh rises nine places to No.30.
New York dominates in the United States, also with four bars, with Double Chicken Please at no. 14, Over story one rank behind no. 15, Martiny’s at No. 24 and Super good at No. 27.
In Australia is the top-rated bar Melbournesay Caretaker’s Cottage (No. 21), followed by Maybe Sammy (16th) in Sydney. Another Melbourne bar – Byrds – places on no.35.
Handshake Speakeasy (above) in Mexico City is number 1 in the World’s 50 Best Bars Awards 2024 – Mexico’s first ever winner
In Hong Kong, new entry Bar Leone stormed the list at No.2, claiming the title of best bar in Asia
London retains its crown as the cocktail capital of Europe – it has four bars on the list, including Tayer + Elementary (above, No4)
New York dominates in the United States – its Double Chicken Please bar (above) is the country’s top entry at no. 14
In Australia, the top-rated pub is Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage (above, no. 21)
Overall winner Handshake Speakeasyin the Colonia Juárez neighborhood of Mexico City, is “one of the capital’s best-kept open secrets,” according to an award statement.
It continued: ‘Hidden behind a secret door in a dimly lit room with an impressive selection of vintage spirits, the bar has interiors that masterfully evoke the bygone era of the Hollywood speakeasy.
‘While the atmospheric black marble, rich brass detailing and moody lighting of the interior is akin to a century back, the innovative cocktail menu is firmly rooted in the future. Bar director Eric van Beek effortlessly fuses tradition and innovation, elevating the classics through the latest technique developed in the on-site laboratory, twisting familiar recipes with unexpected flavours.’
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The world’s 50 best barssays: ‘Being the first no.1 of Mexico ever is an outstanding achievement, of which Eric van Beek and his team deserve a lot. The bar’s impressive rise through the World’s 50 Best Bars list over the years is testament to their unique combination of flawless hospitality, innovative technique and truly excellent cocktails.’
The Perrier-sponsored awards ceremony took place during a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, and featured winners from 28 cities worldwide voted for by an academy of more than 700 experts.
Handshake Speakeasy is joined in the top three by Europe’s highest rated bar, and last year’s no.1, sipsBarcelona (3rd).
The Perrier-sponsored awards ceremony took place during a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, and featured winners from 28 cities worldwide voted for by an academy of more than 700 experts.
Panda & Sons in Edinburgh (pictured) rises nine places to No.30
Handshake Speakeasy is joined in the top three by Europe’s highest rated bar, and last year’s No.1, Sips in Barcelona (3rd)
Pictured above is Salmon Guru, in Madrid, who comes in at No.23 overall
Spanish bars that also make the ranking include ParadisoBarcelona, at No. 10 and Master SalmonMadrid, at no.23.
Outstanding watering holes in Greece are Line (6th) and Rum Baby (17th), both in Athens.
In France, the top places are all in Paris – The Cambridge Public House stands at no.19, followed by Bar New (39th) and Danica (49th).
In Italy, four bars are listed – Drink KongRome (33rd), Local FlorenceFlorence (36th), and two in Milan, Moebius Milano (38th), and 1930 (50th).
HimkoOslo (11th), and The Red HouseStockholm (45th), represents the best of the Nordics.
Outside of NYC, Jewel of the Southin New Orleans, is the only other American bar to make the top 50 at no. 34 fetch.
In Asia, Singapore takes the lead.
It has four bars on the list, stalwarts Jigger & Pony (No.5) and Atlas (No.43), together with new entries Nutmeg & Clove (28th) and Analog initiative (47th).
In Hong Kong, new entry Bar Leone stormed the list at no.2 and took the title of the best bar in Asia. It is joined by neighbor Co at no. 18.
Tlecan (above) at no.20 and Licorería Limantour at no.32 join the no. 1 bar in Mexico City
In Asia, Singapore takes the lead. It has four bars on the list, including stalwarts Atlas (No.43), seen here
Check out Analogue Initiative in Singapore. It is the 47th best bar in the world
Dubai’s Mimi Kakushi takes its position at no.40 and is named the best bar in the Middle East and Africa
LEFT: A ‘Mezcal espadin’ cocktail served at the best bar in the world, Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City. RIGHT: A rum ‘daiquiri’ created by Edinburgh bar Panda & Sons (30th)
Bangkok and Tokyo claim two bars each, with Bangkok’s BKK Social Club rising to No.12 next door Limit us at no.41, while Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich (25th) is joined by newcomer Virtue (42nd). Across in Seoul, Zest take No.9.
Join the No 1 bar in Mexico City Tlecan at no. 20 and Licoreria Limantour at No.32, while Guadalajara’s The Haughty Rooster is a new entry at No.48.
Three Monkeys in Buenos Aires takes the crown as the best bar in South America at No.7, with two other bars in the Argentine capital making the cut – Cochin China (22nd) and Atlantic Florists (46th).
That of Colombia Alchemical in Cartagena comes in at no.8, with a new entry for Bogotá, Laura’s roomwhich joins no.44.
Representing Peru, Lima’s Lady Bee joins the list at an impressive No.16, while So So in Sao Paulo (new entry at No.31), flies the flag for Brazil.
Dubai’s Mimi Kakushi holds its position at No.40 and is named The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa.
Emma Sleight adds: ‘We extend our warmest congratulations to every pub on this year’s list, which once again highlights the incredible diversity of the global pub sector. We hope that this year’s list continues to serve as a beacon for cocktail lovers around the world.’
For more visit www.theworlds50best.com.
