Bar Leone Crowned the Best Bar in the World 2025 in Hong Kong
Bar Leone: The Best Bar in the World for 2025
The world of mixology has witnessed a historic moment as Bar Leone in Hong Kong has claimed the title of The World's Best Bar for 2025. This prestigious accolade was announced at a live ceremony in Hong Kong, marking a noteworthy achievement as it is the first time the top honor has been awarded to a bar in Asia. The announcement not only highlights Bar Leone's rise in global bar culture but also sets a precedent for bars across the Asian continent to aspire to reach similar heights.
Nestled in the vibrant Central district of Hong Kong, Bar Leone operates under the philosophy of 'cocktail popolari', which translates to 'cocktails for the people'. This philosophy pays homage to the traditional neighborhood bars of Rome, where locals gather to enjoy coffee, aperitifs, and engage in casual conversation. Co-founder Lorenzo Antinori aims to simplify the art of cocktail making by offering high-quality drinks that are both approachable and expertly crafted, providing patrons with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The 2025 list of The World's 50 Best Bars features a diverse array of establishments from 29 cities around the globe, showcasing eight new entries. Alongside Bar Leone, other notable bars that made the top five include Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy at No. 2, Barcelona’s Sips at No. 3, Paradiso at No. 4, and London’s Tayēr + Elementary at No. 5. Each of these bars brings its unique flavor and cultural essence to the mix, creating a tapestry of experiences for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.
Emma Sleight, the Head of Content for The World's 50 Best Bars, expressed her excitement about Bar Leone's achievement, stating, "It is a delight to unveil Bar Leone as The World's Best Bar 2025, sponsored by Perrier. This accomplishment signifies the commitment of Bar Leone to redefine hospitality excellence." She emphasized the importance of celebrating the diverse global bar landscape and recognizing the exceptional efforts of all bars featured on the list.
Other awards highlighted during the ceremony included the Campari One To Watch Award, given to Bar Mauro in Mexico City, and the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, which went to The Cambridge Public House in Paris. Additionally, the Nikka Highest Climber Award was awarded to Moebius Milano, which moved up 31 places to No. 7. Meanwhile, Baba au Rum in Athens was recognized as the Rémy Martin Legend of the List, showcasing the depth of talent and innovation across various regions.
Bar Leone's recognition serves not only as a badge of honor for its team but also as an inspiration for aspiring mixologists and bar owners throughout Asia. The event stands as a testament to the evolving nature of cocktail culture and its ability to adapt and flourish in different parts of the world. As the global bar community continues to grow and innovate, Bar Leone will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of this vibrant industry.
As we raise our glasses to Bar Leone's victory, we are reminded of the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting the perfect cocktail and the community that forms around such an experience. Cheers to Bar Leone and all those who contribute to the rich tapestry of the global bar scene. Let the cocktails flow and the good times roll as we celebrate this monumental achievement in the heart of Hong Kong.