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