Singapore will host the 2019 Asia’s 50 Best Bars again on May 9

THE tipple-thirsty will be delighted to know that the second edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars will again return to Capitol Theatre in Singapore this year, reaffirming the island-nation as quite the destination for bar and nightlife lovers.

Last year’s inaugural awards ceremony – which saw 450 cocktail enthusiasts and industry VIPs descend on the grand and historic venue – was somewhat of a watershed event for Singapore, which as a nation bagged 12 spots on the prestigious list of 50. A total of 14 cities made 2018’s ranked list, which was drawn up from votes cast by more than 200 industry experts across Asia. 

The introduction of the list has doubtlessly spurred growth and development in the local bar scene; many hallowed establishments gave their bars a do-over, and there’s been surge of innovative drinks programmes coupled with a conscientious effort to stay on top of the latest drink trends.

The 2019 event kickstarts a three-year partnership between organisers of the World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best lists, William Reed Business Media, and Singapore Tourism board. The deal’s also bringing the well-regarded World’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony to Singapore for its 2019 edition (usually held in June). Come 2021, the World’s 50 Best Bars will be hosted in Singapore as well.

If you’re an aficionado of the scene,  tune in to the gala awards livestream here. The actual list is estimated to start airing at 8.45pm on 9 May (Thursday).

For reference, here’s the full list of 2018’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars awardees – local bars in bold.

1. Manhattan Bar, Singapore 
2. Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei
3. Speak Low, Shanghai
4. Atlas, Singapore
5. The Old Man, Hong Kong
6. High Five, Tokyo
7. The Tippling Club, Singapore
8. Native, Singapore
9. The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok
10. Island Shangri-La Lobster Bar and Grill, Hong Kong
11. Stockton, Hong Kong
12. 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore
13. Backstage, Bangkok
14. Sober Company, Shanghai
15. Quinary, Hong Kong
16. Bar Trench, Tokyo
17. Le Chamber, Seoul
18. Zuma, Hong Kong
19. Operation Dagger, Singapore
20. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo,
21. Charles H, Seoul
22. Gibson, Singapore
23. Employees Only, Singapore
24. 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong
25. The Curator Coffee and Cocktails, Manila
26. Alice, Seoul
27. Vesper, Bangkok
28. Union Trading Company, Shanghai
29. Smalls, Bangkok
30. Janes and Hooch, Beijing
31. The Pontiac, Hong Kong
32. D.Bespoke, Singapore
33. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
34. Gen Yamamoto, Tokyo
35. TCRC, Tainan
36. Potato Head Beach Club, Bali
37. Bar Orchard Ginza, Tokyo
38. Junglebird, Kuala Lumpur
39. Loewy, Jakarta
40. Mixology Salon, Tokyo
41. Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar, Jakarta
42. Jigger and Pony, Singapore
43. Star Bar, Tokyo
44. Teens of Thailands, Bangkok
45. Lamp Bar, Nara
46. Coley Kuala Lumpur
47. Keepers, Seoul
48. Ritz Carlton Bar and Lounge, Macau
49. Ku Bar, Bangkok
50. The Other Room, Singapore