#London #United Kingdom #hospitality #50 Best Bars #Academy Chairs

Introducing the Inaugural Edition of Europe's 50 Best Bars

The organization behind the celebrated rankings of The World's 50 Best Bars has revealed a significant milestone in the world of mixology—Europe's 50 Best Bars. This pioneering initiative promises to celebrate the vibrant bar culture across Europe, unveiling both the esteemed Academy Chairs and an array of special awards categories.

The Exciting Launch

On January 14, 2026, in London, the organizers announced this inaugural edition, setting the stage for a thrilling ceremony that will showcase the top bar talents in Europe. With a live event on the horizon, eager enthusiasts and industry experts are anticipating the list of winners, which will include both the prestigious top bar and an array of specialized award categories.

Voting Process and Academy Structure

The rankings will be shaped by the voices of the European 50 Best Bars Academy, comprised of 300 anonymous professionals. This diverse panel includes bartenders, bar owners, beverage journalists, and experienced cocktail lovers, ensuring a well-rounded representation of the bar scene across Europe. Eleven Academy Chairs represent various sub-regions, bringing expertise and influence to the evaluation process.

Each Chair is selected for their contributions and knowledge of their respective regions:

• - Bára Urbanová – Represents the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland
• - Eleni Nikoloulia – Covers Greece, Turkey, and the Southern Balkans
• - Alia Akkam – Works with Hungary and the Northern Balkans
• - Juliane Reichert – Encompasses Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
• - Arina Nikolskaya – Covers Eastern Europe and the Baltic States
• - François Monti – Represents Spain and Portugal
• - Hamish Smith – Focuses on the United Kingdom and Ireland
• - Laurence Marot – Covers France
• - Jakob Sundin – Encompasses the Nordic countries
• - Ara Carvallo – Represents the Benelux region
• - Penelope Vaglini – Covers Italy

This independent voting body offers a fresh perspective and aims to highlight the best experiences in bars across Europe.

Special Award Categories

The event will feature several special awards, celebrating various facets of the bar industry:

1. Michter's Art of Hospitality Award: Recognizes bars that demonstrate exceptional hospitality and care for guests.
2. Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award: Acknowledged through peer voting, this award honors the skills and contributions of bartenders.
3. One To Watch Award: Highlights an emerging bar in Europe expected to become notable in the future.
4. Icon Award: Presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the hospitality sector.
5. Best New Opening Award: Acknowledges the most exciting newcomer in the European bar scene.
6. Sustainable Bar Award: Recognizes efforts towards sustainability in bar operations.
7. Best Cocktail Menu Award: Celebrates creativity and storytelling in cocktail design.
8. Best Bar Design Award: Highlights spaces that exhibit exceptional aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality.
9. Best in Destination Award: Identifies the top bar in each region.
10. The Best Bar in Europe 2026: The overall champion, revered as the number one bar in the ranking.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for Europe's 50 Best Bars, the event promises to be a pivotal moment in recognizing and celebrating the exceptional bars that define Europe's cocktail culture. The winners will be announced in a ceremony that fans and industry insiders alike await eagerly, marking the start of a new tradition in the world of mixology.

For more details, keep an eye on the official media center of The World's 50 Best Bars, where further announcements will be made regarding the event date and location.

Stay Tuned

The excitement around the inaugural edition of Europe's 50 Best Bars adds freshness to the bar community and showcases how the industry continues to innovate and inspire. Get ready to raise a glass in celebration of excellence in hospitality across Europe!