Asia's 50 Best Bars 2020: Jigger & Pony clinches the number one spot

It's odd being at Asia's 50 Best Bars this year. There's no fancy venue to scurry to, no immaculate dresscode, and certainly no one is rubbing shoulders with anyone. In fact, all invitees are probably lounging in their jammies, cosy with a drink or a bottle — now that no one's watching us.

With the current global pandemic at hand, the virtual countdown drummed down to a slightly sombre tone, as compared to previous triumphs. This wasn't so much of a celebration, but rather a beacon of hope to remember and recognise the bar industry for its achievements this past year. In light of recent events, it was heartening to witness some winning — especially in our homeground — take place, albeit over a dusty laptop screen, amidst the gloomy news lording over us day by day.

Singapore came up top — with Jigger & Pony clinching the No.1 spot (from where it was at No.9 last year). Other notable bars on our shores that bagged spots on the list: Atlas (at No.5), Native (at No.6), Manhattan Bar (No.8), Tippling Club (No.17), The Old Man Singapore (No.22), Gibson (No.25), 28 HongKong Street (No.30). Nutmeg & Clove (No.32), and a new entry — MO Bar (No.46).

Celebrations might be halted for now. But we're certainly beaming with pride right now, as we long for the day to visit our favourite drinking holes — whenever that may be.

See the full list of winners below:

1. Jigger & Pony, Singapore

2. The Old Man, Hong Kong

3. Coa, Hong Kong

4. Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei

5. Atlas, Singapore

6. Native, Singapore

7. The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok

8. Manhattan Bar, Singapore

9. The SG Club, Tokyo

10. Aha Saloon, Taipei

11. Vesper, Bangkok

12. Sober Company, Shanghai

13. Bar Mood, Taipei

14. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur

15. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo

16. Quinary, Hong Kong

17. Tippling Club, Singapore

18. The Wise King, Hong Kong

19. Speak Low, Shanghai

20. High Five, Tokyo

21. Bee's Knees, Kyoto

22. The Old Man, Singapore

23. D. Bespoke, Singapore

24. Tropic City, Bangkok

25. Gibson, Singapore

26. Draft Land, Taipei

27. Room by Le Kief, Taipei

28. Otto E Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong

29. Charles H, Seoul

30. 28 HongKong Street, Singapore

31. Rabbit Hole, Bangkok

32. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore

33. Backstage Cocktail Bar, Bangkok

34. Caprice Bar, Hong Kong

35. The Pontiac, Hong Kong

36. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou

37. Junglebird, Kuala Lumpur

38. The Odd Couple, Shanghai

39. Bar Trench, Tokyo

40. Sidecar, New Delhi

41. Bar Orchard Ginza, Tokyo

42. The Curator, Manila

43. Union Brasserie Bakery & Bar, Jakarta

44. Lobster Bar & Grill, Hong Kong

45. The Back Room, Manilla

46. MO Bar, Singapore

47. Alice, Seoul

48. Coley, Kuala Lumpur

49. Le Chamber, Seoul

50. Cham Bar, Seoul

To support our local bars during this pandemic, here are some bottled cocktails available for islandwide delivery.