Getting your bar on the coveted Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, sponsored by Franklin & Sons, is more than just about serving great drinks, it's about standing out in the industry. This prestigious list is curated by a panel of nearly 300 industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and influencers. It's a list created by those in the know, for those who want to know where to go.
What Makes the List Special?
The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list isn’t just another ranking, it's an expertly curated guide to the most exciting cocktail spots across the UK. From hidden gems and intimate lounges to bustling city hotspots with unique spirit specialties, there’s something for every kind of drinker. Each bar is handpicked by our dedicated voting academy made up of industry pros who truly understand what makes a bar exceptional.
How Voting Works
Our voting academy is the heart of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list. Comprised of nearly 300 influential figures in the bar industry, these experts represent regions across the UK to ensure a balanced and unbiased selection. Each member casts four votes, ranking their top choices, with at least one vote going to a bar from their own region. To maintain fairness, bar operators and bartenders are prohibited from voting for their own establishments.
Special Awards and Recognition
The excitement doesn’t stop at the main list. Special awards categories like One to Watch and Sustainable Bar of the Year allow bars to self-nominate, putting themselves forward for a chance to shine. Entries for the 2025 list open on Monday 23 September and close on Sunday 13 October 2024.
These categories are judged through their application forms by an expert judging panel who then create a shortlist for each category. The next step in the process for One to Watch is a visit to the shortlisted bars so the dedicated judge can get a real-life experience of the hospitality, drinks, vibe, cleanliness and sit down and have an interview with the nominator to get into the nitty gritty of the bar.
For Sustainable Bar of the Year the bars take part in a video call with a Top 50 Cocktail Bars judge and a sustainability expert to get a deeper dive into their initiatives. The winner is then chosen and announced at the event in early February alongside the highly anticipated Top 50 list.
Whether your bar is new on the scene or a longstanding favourite, these awards offer a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition. The "One to Watch" category is open to bars of all ages, giving everyone a shot at joining the prestigious list. The "Sustainable Bar of the Year" award allows bars to highlight their efforts to reduce environmental impact, showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainability.
Our Rising Star award, in association with Brown-Forman, works in a similar way, except you can either self-enter or be nominated by someone in the industry. This award is for bartenders who are in the infancy of their career (within 3 years) to highlight and support the future of bartending. The applications are shortlisted then interviewed over a video call with three judges to get to know you all better. Those are then shortlisted again with the finalists being invited to a judging day with Brown-Forman with a drink presentation, lunch, some networking opportunities then a trip to some bars and dinner with the team and finalists. The winner is also announced at the event in early February.
For those who excel in teamwork, the Bar Team of the Year award, judged by a small panel of experts, celebrates the collective effort that goes into creating outstanding bar experiences.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
Whether you’re a cosy neighbourhood spot or a chic city lounge, the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list is your chance to stand out. The journey to the top starts with great drinks, exceptional service, and a passion for the craft. So, polish your glassware, perfect your cocktails, and get ready to impress the experts who could put your bar on the map!
Remember, entries for the 2025 list open on Monday 23 September and close on Sunday 13 October 2024.
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