Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology at the Connaught Bar in London, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 at Europe’s 50 Best Bars.
The Italian-born bartender takes the peer-voted prize as part of the first edition of Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier. The award, voted on by the bartenders behind the venues on this year’s list, recognises a personality who has made a significant impact on the global bar sector and shown a clear commitment to the European bar community over the voting period.
It is the second of two special awards revealed ahead of the live ceremony on 30 June 2026, which will be broadcast through the 50 Best YouTube channel to a global audience.
A Peer-Voted Accolade with Industry Heritage
The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was introduced to The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017 and has since become one of the most respected peer recognitions in the industry. Bargiani is the first bartender to receive the European edition of the prize, which singles out someone who, in the words of the voting body, pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender.
Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Europe’s 50 Best Bars, framed the win this way: “A fixture of one of London’s most prestigious hotel bars, Giorgio Bargiani is widely admired for his warmth, generosity and skill behind the bar. Deeply respectful of his mentors and peers, he consistently champions his team and nurtures a spirit of collaboration to provide outstanding hospitality. With this commitment to consistent creativity and service-led bartending, it is no surprise Bargiani has earned the admiration of peers across the industry and makes him a natural choice for this coveted accolade.”
From Pisa to Mayfair
Born in Pisa, Bargiani grew up around his family’s restaurant business before working through local bars and nightclubs and then moving into high-end hotels, including the Splendido in Portofino and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford. In 2014 he joined the Connaught Bar in London as a bar-back under the mentorship of Agostino Perrone, the venue’s Director of Mixology.
The rise from there was steep. He became Head Mixologist in 2019 and later stepped up to Assistant Director of Mixology, helping to shape the cocktail program, the team and the creative output of one of London’s most internationally recognised hotel bars.
Shaping the Connaught Bar’s Modern Era
At the Connaught, Bargiani is closely associated with the bar’s world-famous Martini service, its precise and theatrical cocktail builds, and the ritualistic guest experience that defines the room. His approach pairs classical technique with showmanship, with the aim of making each guest feel personally attended to without breaking the consistency the venue is known for.
That work has underpinned the Connaught Bar’s standing on The World’s 50 Best Bars, where it currently sits at No. 6 on the 2025 list. Beyond the floor, Bargiani has shaped cocktail creations, training and creative projects for the bar, and acted as a connector within the wider community, forging collaborations and opening doors for peers across Europe and beyond.
Reactions from Bargiani and Altos
Accepting the award, Bargiani said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this accolade. It makes me feel more connected than ever to this wonderful bar community and I could not be more grateful to all my friends and colleagues for their continuous support along the way. To me, this is an occasion that truly celebrates the positive influences and connections we build day after day in our industry, and I hope this remains the north star of what we strive for.”
Dre Masso, Co-Creator and Global Ambassador for Altos Tequila, added: “On behalf of Altos Tequila, we are incredibly proud to celebrate Giorgio Bargiani of the Connaught Bar as the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award as part of Europe’s 50 Best Bars. We’ve long been huge admirers of Giorgio’s work, his passion for the craft is unmistakable, and the way he brings energy and precision to everything he does is truly inspiring. Beyond his undeniable talent, he has a brilliant sense of humour, effortless charisma and is, quite simply, one of the loveliest people in our industry. A very well-deserved recognition.”
What the Award Signals for Europe’s Scene
For an inaugural European edition of the prize to go to a bartender working inside a luxury hotel bar is a deliberate signal. It places service-led bartending, mentorship and long-tenure craft at the centre of what the regional voting body values, alongside the more visible currents of fermentation labs, sustainability programs and concept-driven openings. With the full Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list set to be revealed on 30 June, Bargiani’s win sets the tone: the European scene is rewarding the people who quietly hold the room together as much as the ones rewriting the menu.
