#Hong Kong #Cocktail Culture #Asia's 50 Best Bars #Bar Leone

Bar Leone Celebrates Consecutive Win at Asia's 50 Best Bars

On July 15, 2025, Bar Leone in Hong Kong was proudly awarded the prestigious title of "The Best Bar in Asia" at the Asia's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, held in the vibrant city of Macau. Sponsored by Perrier, this momentous occasion marked the second consecutive year that Bar Leone has clinched this coveted recognition. The ceremony gathered an impressive lineup of bars from 20 distinct cities across Asia, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the region's cocktail scene.

Since its debut in the awards last year, Bar Leone made history by becoming the first establishment to achieve the No.1 position right off the bat. Owned and operated by the talented Lorenzo Antinori, known for his remarkable work at celebrated venues such as Argo and Dandelyan, Bar Leone is renowned for its offering of 'cocktail popolari' or 'cocktails for the people.' This concept emphasizes accessible and expertly crafted cocktails that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.

Walking into Bar Leone is akin to stepping into a warm and welcoming corner inspired by the lively bars of Rome's Trastevere district, where Antinori spent his formative years. The bar is adorned with nostalgic football memorabilia and charming vintage Italian posters, creating an ambiance that blends relaxed charm with a chic atmosphere. Guests can comfortably unwind while indulging in a thoughtfully curated menu featuring classic cocktails that have been elevated with intriguing twists, affirming Bar Leone's commitment to maintaining its neighborhood bar identity.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia's 50 Best Bars, expressed her excitement: "We're thrilled to gather in Macau with Asia's vibrant and passionate drinks community. The region's bars continue to redefine excellence in cocktail culture, as seen in the talent and creativity of this year's winners. Congratulations to Lorenzo Antinori and the entire team at Bar Leone for the incredible feat of retaining the No.1 spot."

The awards highlighted the incredible achievements of several other bars across Asia as well. Zest in Seoul retained its position as the second-best bar in the region, also recognized as the Best Bar in Korea. Meanwhile, Jigger Pony in Singapore, which secured the third position, has continued to be a pillar of Bangkok's bar scene, making it the Best Bar in Singapore for six consecutive years.

Bangkok shone brightly at the awards too, with seven bars making the list, including Bar Us at No.4, which was crowned the Best Bar in Thailand. Newcomer Dry Wave Cocktail Studio entered the hall of fame with an impressive No.5 ranking and was awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award for its forward-thinking approach to cocktails.

The expanded list this year featured 20 new entries, emphasizing the creativity and innovation of Asia's cocktail culture as it continues to thrive and gain recognition on a global scale. Among these, Workshop14 in Hanoi was specifically acknowledged with the Campari One To Watch Award, indicating its potential to break into the top echelons of the ranking in the future.

The awards were celebrated not only for their competitive spirit but also for the camaraderie and love that underpins the cocktail community across Asia. As Lorenzo Antinori notes, "It's not just about the cocktails; it's about the experience and connection we share with our guests."

The comprehensive list of the award winners underscores not only Bar Leone’s excellence but also the evolution of cocktail culture throughout Asia, inviting cocktail enthusiasts to explore the rich diversity and innovation flourishing in this part of the world. As the scene continues to evolve, it sets the stage for even more extraordinary experiences that await at these acclaimed establishments.

The Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 ceremony was streamed live, making the event accessible for enthusiasts around the world to witness the celebration of talent and creativity in the cocktail industry.