A new chapter in global bar culture is beginning as 50 Best announces the launch of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, a brand-new regional ranking dedicated to honoring the continent’s most outstanding drinking destinations. The inaugural list will be revealed next year at a live awards ceremony, with the date and host city to be announced in the coming months.
This marks the first time 50 Best has introduced a new bar awards programme since debuting North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2022. Joining the existing lists—The World’s 50 Best Bars, Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and North America’s 50 Best Bars—the European edition aims to spotlight the creativity, excellence, and evolving identity of Europe’s hospitality scene.
According to Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Europe’s 50 Best Bars, the new list is a natural expansion of the brand’s mission. She describes it as a platform that will showcase both established venues and exciting emerging destinations, providing a trustworthy guide for drinkers seeking exceptional bar experiences. Sleight emphasizes that the programme will highlight the continent’s “passion, talent and hard work,” acknowledging the individuals shaping Europe’s vibrant cocktail landscape.
As with other regional editions, Europe’s 50 Best Bars will feature several days of celebrations leading up to the awards ceremony. These festivities include the beloved Bartenders’ Feast, where nominees and industry leaders gather on the eve of the main event. The ceremony itself will feature red-carpet arrivals, a drinks reception, and the live countdown revealing the top 50 bars, along with multiple special awards for achievements in hospitality, creativity, and leadership. The evening will culminate in the announcement of The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Perrier.
Elisa Gregori, Global CMO for Perrier, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the new programme, noting that Europe remains home to some of the world’s most innovative bars. She highlighted the region’s unique combination of creativity, culture, and hospitality, praising the upcoming recognition of Europe’s leading venues.
The inaugural list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 will be unveiled at a ceremony held later next year, and the countdown will be streamed globally via the 50 Best TV YouTube channel. Bar fans worldwide will be able to tune in live as the rankings are announced.
The voting process will follow the same structure used for other 50 Best regional lists. The ranking will be based on the votes of 300 anonymous industry experts across Europe, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and seasoned cocktail travelers. The voting Academy is gender-balanced, fully independent, and strictly confidential. Neither sponsors nor the 50 Best organisation influence the results, and bars cannot apply for inclusion. Each voter selects the bars where they’ve had their best experiences during the previous 18 months.
Academy Chairs will be announced in due course, though they do not influence the list and are not spokespersons for the brand. All bars appearing on the list must be open as of June 2026, when the ranking is revealed. Additional information about the voting process can be found on the official 50 Best FAQs page.
The launch of Europe’s 50 Best Bars represents a major milestone for the global cocktail community, offering a new lens through which to explore and celebrate the diversity, craftsmanship, and imagination shaping Europe’s bar culture today.
