Overview
The 2011 World’s 50 Best Bars list has been published by Drinks International, curated by editor Lucy Britner and US drinks writer, Camper English (I can imagine someone with that name sipping cocktails on a daily basis). The pair asked the opinion of around 100 bar professionals, including the Playboy Club’s Salvatore Calabrese, 'King of Cocktails' Dale DeGroff, Esquire US’s David Wondrich and diamond ice-carver Hidetsugu Ueno. These votes were combined with global votes and resulted in a list with bars from 16 countries.
Your local favourite may not be on the list, but rest assured that all fifty are well worth the visit next time you find yourself in one of the world's culture capitals. Here are the top ten (and you can download a guide to all of them here).
1. PDT, New York
PDT, short for Please Don't Tell, is a sexy speakeasy with a deep-fried twist - you can order drunk snack food from the low-key joint, Crif Dogs (from where you enter via the false rear wall of a phone booth), next door. An old-fashioned with a side of frankfurt? Yes please.
Where: 113 St. Marks Place, New York
2. Connaught, London
The height of London elegance, if you order a martini the waiter will pour gin and vermouth from a crystal tumbler at your table and let you choose an infused bitters from their many flavours.
Where: The Connaught, Carlos Place, London
3. Artesian, London
Modern touches like purple mock-snakeskin leather chairs and excellent service brings this Grand Victorian-styled bar into this century and at the top of the list. Play dominos whilst you sip on a rum-based cocktail.
Where: Regent Street, 1C Portland, London
4. Death & Co, New York
Some of the best cocktails in New York can be had in this dark, shadowy speakeasy.
Where: 433 East 6th Street, New York
5. Milk & Honey, London
This bar is tucked away so not anyone can just wander in - it's members only for most of the week. Regular people can visit at the beginning of the week to try the phenomenal cocktails.
Where: 61 Poland Street, London
6. American Bar at the Savoy, London
The bar that bore the ultimate cocktail guide, this is London's most iconic imbibing institute. Good luck getting a seat.
Where: The Savoy, 100 Strand, London
7. 69 Colebrooke Row, London
If you were very, very rich, this bar might feel like your lounge room, complete with bow-tied butlers to make you cocktails and pour your water in tall glasses from cocktail shakers.
Where: 69 Colebrooke Row, Islington, London
8. Drink, Boston
All you have to do is a name a flavour you feel like and a personalised drink will be yours.
Where: 348 Congress Street, Boston
9. Harry’s New York Bar, Paris
Hemingway, Sartre and Blondin were all regulars at this famous bar that invented the Bloody Mary and the White Lady. A Paris must.
Where: 5 Daunou street, Paris
10. Black Pearl, Melbourne
Split over two levels, head up if you'd like to drink out of Royal Doulton glassware or downstairs for a beer. Either way, you'll have a good time.
Where: 304 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
Also...
A special mention to Sydney's own Eau de Vie who finished in 13th place, and Wellington's Matterhorn who finished 33rd.
For the rest of the list, click here.