The world's best bars was one of the kick starters of my blog opinionated-alchemist.com.
There was quite controversy [lets not get back to it - opposite parties became friends and finally it is more than 5 years back] - the problem then was, that it seemed that the WBB were a play field for shady business practices of some bars and some personalities...
When Fadli, one of my previous bartenders [with one of the biggest talents] posted the new "list" of the WBB, I was sceptical and I anticipated again more then controversy...
However I was surprised. The bars all seems legit and deserve to be on the list. Like all Top-Anything-List you could argue about the places - which one is number one or two - which one is number 30 or 40 - but for me, this is not so important. It is essential, that this list makes sense - and it does!
My bars are not on the top 50 [if you would expect this]. With our new menu, I am sure, that we will do very well - but we are far away of the refinements of a Pegu Club or Le Lion [and anyway, this is not our / not my intention].
However I like the bar culture, and to see this, makes me happy; and over short or long I know, that I am also be part of the list...
[and it is also soothing that Jeffrey's Clyde Common and Jamie's Canon are both also not listed...]
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This year, speakeasies and luxury hotel bars were joined by saloons, clubs and classic drinking dens from across the globe. Here is the full World's 50 Best Bars 2012 list.
Head bartender Alex Kratena is one of the nicest men in the industry and the great drinks, made by his great team reflect this. 2012 has been a fabulous year for the bar.
Best Bar in North America
London
Where to start with this bar? The phone booth? The bear’s head? The hotdogs? The drinks - and let’s not forget the fantastic face behind it all, Jim Meehan.
World's Best Bar and Best Bar in UK
New York
This speakeasy basement bar in East London has made its name for great drinks, great music and great times. Live music goes hand in hand with prohibition era drinks and vintage decor.
London
This hotel bar is not only beautifully kitted out, it comes with its own martini trolley and super-talented bartenders, lead by industry legend Ago Perrone.
London
This is one of London’s most famous bars, in one of London’s most famous hotels, and the man behind the stick is Erik Lorincz who holds the coveted title of World Class bartender.
London
This is a refuge for the discerning drinker and if you can get passed the door man then some serious cocktails await as a reward.
New York
Sydney is fast becoming one of the most exciting drinks cities in the world. Lewis Jaffrey is among the staff here, a man who cut his cocktail teeth at many a haven of high quality drinks.
Best Bar in Asia Pacific and Highest New Entry
Sydney
Also no stranger to the top ten, this is Conigliaro’s temple of cocktails. It’s a fairly simple, stylish set up where the drinks do the talking.
London
It’s a great year for this bar and with drinks as inventive as its Jabbarwocky name, we’re not surprised to see it in the top ten.
London
Bramble sums up Edinburgh’s charm and not only do the drinks exude excellence, the place knows how to party. The venue is also named after Dick Bradsell’s iconic cocktail.
Edinburgh
This is a bar for the bartenders. With a mix of historic and contemporary drinks, it’s a lively spot and it’s no stranger to the World’s 50 Best Bars.
New York
It’s great to see a new London venue do so well. This bar was praised for its relaxed atmosphere, unpretentious surroundings and fabulous drinks.
London
Could there be a better name for a bar? This is Boston’s finest and the brainchild of chef Barbara Lynch. Drink offers serious, quality cocktails with a genuine neighbourhood vibe.
Boston
This is a speakeasy-era bar with waist-coated pianists and bartenders who will make you the drink of your dreams.
Los Angeles
Taxidermied cats in dresses are happy bed fellows with great cocktails at this London hangout. Congiliario has not rested on his laurels here; the cocktail invention is jaw dropping.
London
Mutis is Catalan for be quiet but we can’t help singing from the rooftops about the cocktails at this place. The drinks flirt favourably between classics and modern twists.
Best Bar in Europe and Highest Climber
Barcelona
Cocktail aficionados mix happily with the after work crowd at this easy-going venue. You will always get a warm G’day from bar staff and a bonzer drink to boot.
Melbourne
Clover Club takes the full list of components that makes any bar experience work and puts them all under one roof.
New York
It’s takes one of the greatest bars in the world to make one of the greatest cocktails and if you’ve sipped a Martini at this place, you’ll definitely know what we mean.
Barcelona
Don Javier is a legend in Tequila and a trip to this bar is a pilgrimage for agave lovers and bartenders everywhere.
Best Bar in Latin America & Carribean
Mexico
With a Sydney speakeasy vibe, we urge you to don your best 1920’s cool and get ready to party like it’s 1929.
Sydney
This is the temple of Japanese bartending. Set up by the great Uenosan, one of the most influential bartenders in the world, it is the home to those incredible ice diamonds.
Tokyo
Le Lion is owned by top bartender Jorg Meyer and along with his team, are regarded as craftsmen. Praise for their attention to detail and skill level is often heaped upon them.
Hamburg
It’s great to see Smuggler’s Cove back on the list for 2012. It’s a nod to the rise of the tiki bar and the popularity of rum. This bar knows how to party!
San Francisco
Eau de Vie is no stranger to the list and we’re well within speakeasy territory at this Sydney hideout.
Sydney
This bar only opened its doors in April and for it to appear in the list this year suggests that voters like to try new things especially if they come with a good pedigree.
New York
We all expected to see Jake and his new gin palace make the list. With a great cocktail selection, a witty menu and even a museum, you might as well spend the day there.
London
With legendary Charles Shumann at the helm, it is great to see this bar re-enter the list this year.
Munich
Food and cocktail pairing is an integral part of the offer at this bar which is home to celebrated chef Ryan Clift.
Singapore
In the upstairs rooms at Cafe Einstein, there is a very special bar that pays homage to the roaring 20’s when the place used to be an illegal gambling den.
Berlin
The drinks list here is huge and it kicks off with Pure Joy. What could be better than that?
Munich
If Dale here is King Cocktail then Audrey Saunders might just be the queen. So honour her with a visit to her Big Apple bar.
New York
Think Dickens novel with a mad scientist twist. This bar takes a step back at Victorian London with barrel aged cocktails to boot.
London
Hidden in a Japanese restaurant, this is Shingo Gokan’s den of drinks and a great addition to the list. Once you find your way in, you probably won’t want to find your way out again.
New York
This place is seriously cool and if you don’t know what to drink, ask the bartender to “roll your own”.
New York
Frank’s Bar is a fabulous Buenos Aires speakeasy but please don’t tell... and watch out for the phone box!
Buenos Aires
Lose yourself in the glamour of a bygone era and enjoy some champagne at the Beaufort. A new addition to the Savoy, the bar is built on the hotels old cabaret stage.
London
The first bar in our list to be named after literature’s favourite drinker, Hemingway has got the classics covered. It pays homage to the great drinker and his favourite tipples.
Prague
Situated in Butchers Town the drinks here centre on the pre-prohibition era and as it’s in Kentucky, expect to see some bourbon behind the bar.
Kentucky
Milk is one of the pillars of London cocktail culture and drinks here are of the highest standard. Ten years after it opened this bar is still one of the greatest bars in the world.
London
Bartender Dario Camino is a pioneer of bar chef mixology and with cocktails called The Thing and libations based on the CSI series, expect the unexpected at Nottingham Forest.
Milan
Michael Callahan brings his own brand of American cocktail culture to Singapore in this relatively new venue.
Singapore
This is Budapest’s cocktail Mecca. A small bar with big personality, it’s a must-visit for anyone travelling to Hungary.
Budapest
Good bars are hard to find and this Moscow venue is especially difficult to locate. It is the brain child of bar supremo Roman Milostivy and its well worth it when you get there.
Moscow
If you ever want Mexican food and great cocktails in Paris, look no further than Candelaria. The cocktail menu is extensive and even includes a Make Your Own Martini.
Paris
This man is one of the world’s most influential bartenders and we’re thrilled Salvatore is back behind the bar and on the list this year.
London
Ruby is a real gem and no stranger to the list with a very talented bartender in the shape of Kaspar Henriksen.
Copenhagen
Named after a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds song, this venue tips its hat to the saloon.
Berlin
This hotel bar is part of the Dorchester collection and with design playing an important part in the overall experience; luxury is the name of the game here.
Paris
The bar’s mix of Asian chic and old school townhouse caught our judges' eyes. The Cape Town venue even has a tree growing through the middle of it.
Best Bar in Africa & Middle East
Cape Town
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