Introduction to the World’s Top 50 Bars
Connaught Bar is on the list… again.
Pour yourself a large one — it’s that time of the year when the ‘official’ list of the world’s top 50 bars is released.
The good news is that London has four bars in 2025’s list; the not-so-good news is that the list arguably doesn’t really mean all that much.
London’s Representation in the List
Here’s where London’s bars placed:
🍸 #5: Tayēr + Elementary (#4 in 2024)
🍸 #6: Connaught Bar (#13 in 2024)
🍸 #21: Satan’s Whiskers (#29 in 2024)
🍸 #31: Scarfes Bar (#37 in 2024)
Superlative establishments, no question, although as you can see, all of these were also on 2024’s list, and have merely been shuffled around a bit. In fact some of these bars have been jiggling up and down the list for yonks. One or two new London entries for London might’ve risked a frisson of excitement to proceedings, but it seems the assortment of bartenders, drinks writers, consultants etc, are sticking to their guns — at least when it comes to where they’re getting their kicks in London.
Changes in the Rankings
(In other un-inspirational news, 2025’s overall winner, Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, moved up one spot, from its #2 in 2024. The #2 spot this year was taken by Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy, which in 2024 was, er, #1.)
This lack of change in the rankings is not surprising, given the consistency of the bars that make it to the list. However, it would be exciting to see some new entries from London, which could bring a fresh perspective to the list.
New Developments in London’s Bar Scene
Recently, it was announced that Gothic Bar in St Pancras — in our opinion (and apparently Jay Rayner’s too) one of London’s finest cocktail bars, certainly when it comes to setting — will relaunch under Hawksmoor at The Martini Bar. We would urge the World’s 50 Best Bars experts to get out and try it for 2026’s list. Maybe a branch or two of Simmons too, just in case.
This new development is a great opportunity for London’s bar scene to shine, and it will be interesting to see how the relaunched Gothic Bar will be received by the experts.
What Does the List Mean for London’s Bars?
The list of the world’s top 50 bars is a great way to recognize the achievements of the best bars in the world. However, it is also important to remember that the list is subjective, and what one person considers to be the best bar, another person may not.
For London’s bars, making it to the list is a great achievement, but it is also important to continue to innovate and improve, in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the list of the world’s top 50 bars is a great way to recognize the achievements of the best bars in the world. London’s bars have once again made it to the list, with four bars featured in 2025’s list. While the list may not be perfect, it is a great way to discover new bars and to recognize the hard work and dedication of the people who work in the industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the list of the world’s top 50 bars?
A: The list of the world’s top 50 bars is an annual ranking of the best bars in the world, as voted by a panel of experts.
Q: Which London bars made it to the list in 2025?
A: The four London bars that made it to the list in 2025 are: Tayēr + Elementary, Connaught Bar, Satan’s Whiskers, and Scarfes Bar.
Q: What is the significance of the list for London’s bars?
A: The list is a great way to recognize the achievements of the best bars in the world, and for London’s bars, making it to the list is a great achievement. However, it is also important to continue to innovate and improve, in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Q: Are there any new developments in London’s bar scene that could impact the list in the future?
A: Yes, the relaunch of Gothic Bar in St Pancras under Hawksmoor at The Martini Bar is a new development that could potentially impact the list in the future.
