#Awards #London #United Kingdom #Cocktail Culture #Europe's 50 Best

Introduction

Europe is set to celebrate its vibrant cocktail scene with the launch of the inaugural edition of Europe's 50 Best Bars. This prestigious event, organized by the well-regarded 50 Best organization, has just revealed its Academy Chairs and ten special award categories that will recognize excellence in various aspects of the bar industry.

Award Categories

The ten special categories are designed to honor the contributions and innovations within the European bar landscape.

1. Michter's Art of Hospitality Award: Recognizes exceptional service in bars.
2. Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award: This award celebrates a bartender chosen by peers for their talent and contribution to the craft.
3. One To Watch Award: Highlights an emerging bar anticipated to make waves in future editions.
4. Icon Award: Acknowledges an influential individual who has made significant contributions to the industry.
5. Best New Opening Award: Celebrates the standout newcomer in the European bar scene.
6. Sustainable Bar Award: A bar that demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability in its operations.
7. Best Cocktail Menu Award: Commends the creativity and innovation in a bar's cocktail offerings.
8. Best Bar Design Award: Honors innovative and aesthetically pleasing bar designs that also focus on functionality.
9. Best in Destination Award: Recognizes the highest-rated bar from each region.
10. The Best Bar in Europe 2026: This coveted title will go to the top-ranked venue as determined by an expert academy vote.

The Academy Chairs

The selection of Academy Chairs is aimed at ensuring diverse and balanced representation of bars across Europe. Composed of industry experts, the Academy will consist of approximately 300 anonymous members, including bar owners, journalists, and cocktail enthusiasts, all split evenly by gender. Each Academy Chair will be tasked with leading subregions, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the continent's bar scene:

• - Bára Urbanová: Will oversee the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.
• - Eleni Nikoloulia: Responsible for Greece, Turkey, and the Southern Balkans.
• - Alia Akkam: Will represent Hungary, Southern Europe, and the Northern Balkans.
• - Juliane Reichert: Focused on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• - Arina Nikolskaya: Covers Eastern Europe and the Baltic states.
• - François Monti: Responsible for Spain and Portugal.
• - Hamish Smith: Overseeing the UK and Ireland.
• - Laurence Marot: Will lead efforts in France.
• - Jakob Sundin: Represents the Nordic countries.
• - Ara Carvallo: Focused on the Benelux region.
• - Penelope Vaglini: Responsible for Italy.

Conclusion

The live ceremony revealing the Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026 and award winners is eagerly anticipated, with further details about the event's date and venue to be announced. This inaugural edition promises to elevate the cocktail culture and celebrate the bars and their stellar contributions to the hospitality landscape across Europe. The initiative reflects a growing appreciation for the art of bartending while aiming to set a standard for future excellence in the industry.