There’s a new list of the best cocktail bars in the world, and three Singapore venues have made it to the first cut. Called The Pinnacle Guide, this new recognition system awards bars with 1, 2, or 3 PINs, with 3 PIN status being the highest accolade available.
The local bars that made it to the list are ATLAS and Origin Bar with 2 PIN status, as well as Ballroom by Barbary Coast with 1 PIN status. So far, no bar has been awarded with 3 PIN status.
The founders of The Pinnacle Guide are no strangers to the bar scene. The trio are behind London Cocktail Week (Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne) and Global Bartending (Dan Dove). With The Pinnacle Guide, they hope to recognise bars that strive to make a positive impact beyond excellent drinks and service, but also through sustainable practices, staff development, and community engagement.
Here’s how it works. Unlike other globally recognised lists like The World’s 50 Best Bars, bars can apply to The Pinnacle Guide by filling out an extensive self-assessment detailing their drinks program, staff management, venue design, and more. Shortlisted bars then progress to anonymous in-person evaluations by The Pinnacle Guide’s panel of industry experts, mixologists, and bar enthusiasts.
So how did the Singapore bars distinguish themselves? ATLAS, famed for its Art Deco interiors and massive gin tower, checked off atmosphere, drinks, design, staff wellbeing, and behind-the-scenes operations as areas of excellence. The Pinnacle Guide also called out its extensive collection of rare still wines and dedication to staff development. Meanwhile, Origin Bar at Shangri-La was noted for its top-notch atmosphere, sustainability, hospitality, and drinks. It also distinguished itself with a high-quality rum selection and community initiatives encompassing beach clean-ups and volunteering. Ballroom by Barbary Coast charmed with its sophisticated drinks, dynamic music programming and design honouring Singapore’s heritage.
Questions about whether we need more ranking lists aside, The Pinnacle Guide sounds like a great way for bars to evaluate and improve themselves based on clear-cut and diverse criteria and a platform to get their behind-the-scenes efforts recognised. The good news is that The Pinnacle Guide accepts applications all year round, with the next submission deadline on May 31 and more PINNED bars to come later in the year. So, if there's a bar you think should be on the list, let them know to apply – and they might earn a PIN.
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