From classy watering holes in Athens to dimly lit, romantic establishments in the City of Love, the best bars in Europe have been revealed.
For the first time, the European list has been curated by 50 Best, with the top spot going to a chic spot in the Greek capital.
Overall, the UK has eight bars in the top 50, the same as Spain, while Italy has nine.
But the city with the most establishments overall? London.
Here’s a rundown of the winning bars across the continent for you to peruse – bottoms up!
1. Line, Athens
Taking the gold medal as the best bar in Europe is Line in Athens
‘A short ride from Athens’ city centre is a former art gallery that, with its [high ceilings] and Mediterranean-industrial aesthetic, could just as easily pass as a mechanic’s shop as it could one of the world’s most forward-thinking bars,’ the 50 Best guide says.
The bar ferments its own fruit wines, beer and sourdough – and the wine is the true crown jewel. If you prefer cocktails, don’t fret.
Highlights include a ‘leftover spritz’ made with tomato, cardamom and elderflower, as well as all the classics.
One visitor raved: ‘Line Athens is an essential stop for anyone serious about cocktails!
‘The drinks are truly wonderful and highly inventive, focusing on unique flavours and house-made ferments.’
2. The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens
In second place, taking the silver medal, is The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens
What about the UK?
Here are all the UK spots…
Connaught Bar, London (10th)Satan’s Whiskers, London (11th)Tayēr + Elementary, London (12th)Panda & Sons, Edinburgh (20th)Waltz, London (23rd)Kwãnt Mayfair, London (40th)Three Sheets (Soho), London (41st)Scarfes Bar, London (47th)
This year, it appears Athens is the place to be when it comes to great bars, with the city placing both first and second.
The Bar in Front of the Bar started out as a pop-up but morphed into a street bar – without indoor seating.
It focuses on eight daily signature drinks made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
‘One of the coolest cocktail experiences we had in Athens’, one customer wrote. ‘The Bar in Front of the Bar is exactly what its name suggests – a tiny street-side cocktail bar that feels like an extension of the city itself.
‘The atmosphere is relaxed, lively, and full of energy, with locals and visitors mingling together over excellent drinks.
‘The cocktail menu changes every single day, so no two visits are exactly the same. The bar is also known for its creative, sustainability-focused approach and its ever-changing humorous signs that have become part of its identity.’
3. Sips, Barcelona
Taking the bronze medal in the full list is Sips, Barcelona
Barcelona doesn’t exactly have a shortage of bars, so for Sips to win third place in this European list speaks volumes about the quality of the drinks – and atmosphere – here.
Drinks aren’t just about the alcohol – the focus is on taste, texture, scent and the whole experience overall.
There’s always a line outside, and you will need a reservation to get in.
One customer said: ‘What a unique experience! After being led through a beaded wall we emerged into a small seating area for 12 guests and were treated to the most delightful array of creative cocktails. Fun thing to do with friends if you are looking for something new and different!’
4. Himkok, Oslo
Himkok is the fourth bar to make the list, known for its unique drinks
The first Oslo establishment to make the cut is Himkok, easy to miss from the outside – but worth looking out for.
A bar, distillery and even a barbershop, it’s all low lighting, dark leather and moody furnishings, and the drinks truly shine.
The 50 Best website advises: ‘Try Softis, a cocktail based on soft-serve ice cream cones with aquavit and an ice cream made from amaretto, white cacao and fino sherry. Its accompanying design object? A sculptural clock, of course.’
Visitors have praised its Nordic-forward design and flavours, as well as the dark, cosy ambience and beer.
5. Bar Nouveau, Paris
Bar Nouveau in Paris scoops up the fifth place award
In Paris’ Marais district, you’ll find Bar Nouveau, which boasts a curated menu of six cocktails – and no reservations.
50 Best says: ‘The decor is meticulously crafted to transport guests to a bygone era.
‘The bar is home to the world’s largest private collection of antique Bimini glasses, and custom light fixtures echo the movement’s embrace of natural forms.
‘The space is split between two distinct levels: the ground floor reimagines an Art Nouveau bar from 130 years ago with a bright, airy feel, while the darker, more intimate downstairs area with its exposed brick brings a futuristic twist, exploring the relationship between nature and the post-technological world.’
6. Moebius Milano, Milan
Next up is Moebius Milano, a popular Italian drinking spot
Moebius Milano is not just a bar, but also a culinary hotspot, with tapas on offer as well as its highly coveted cocktail list.
There’s also live jazz and music on various nights, adding to the convivial atmosphere.
Try a Tom Yam Punch, with kaffir lime leaf, ginger, lemongrass, clarified coconut milk and tomato oil, or a pistachio drink made with sherry, prosecco, mezcal, pistachio ice cream and orange blossom.
One Google review said: ‘Just stopped in for a drink and was blown away. Cool place and great drinks. The architecture and layout is a must-see.’
7. The Cambridge Public House, Paris
The Cambridge Public House is the next bar to join the list
Inspired by the great British pub, this Paris hotspot blends the simple interior and relaxed vibe you’d expect from a UK drinking hole with a refined drinks selection.
Of course, there are British bar snacks to complement your beverage – think meat pies, roast pork platters and sausage rolls.
‘If you like your cocktails this place is a must – very innovative menu’, one visitor wrote, with another adding: ‘Fab fab bar. Great atmosphere, super attentive service without being in your space. And the cocktails – outstanding. And unique. Deserves all the accolades it gets.’
8. Mirror Bar, Bratislava
Mirror Bar, Bratislava comes in eighth place on the ranking
In central Europe, few watering holes shine like Bratislava’s Mirror Bar.
Situated in the city’s Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, it’s a mash-up of grand hotel opulence and modern artistic drinks.
The 50 Best awards state: ‘Cocktails are served in custom-made glassware and handcrafted vessels created in collaboration with Slovak designers, ceramicists, florists, carpenters and artists.
‘Many presentations incorporate 3D-printed elements, botanical arrangements, marble trays or sculptural objects, such as the Lantern of Infinity (rum, goji berry and rosehip-clarified juice, red miso butter caramel, rice milk), served in a custom mirrored box.’
One guest commented: ‘The cocktails we ended up with were the best I have ever had, and the experience overall thanks to the mixture of the atmosphere, artistic nature/display, delicious drinks and great service made this the highlight of the trip.’
9. Paradiso, Barcelona
In ninth place in the full list is Paradiso, situated in Barcelona
A discreet entrance – a fridge door inside a pastrami shop – leads through to a theatrical bar like no other.
Having been named the world’s best bar in 2022, it’s a top spot in Barcelona among locals and tourists alike.
‘Truly one of the most incredible cocktail experience[s] I’ve ever had!’ one visitor reviewed, adding: ‘The servers are great and the drinks are even better. Such thoughtful, intentional and creative recipes. Not only did they taste good, but they looked good too!’
10. Connaught Bar, London
Rounding out the top 10 in the list is London’s Connaught Bar
Europe’s 50 Best Bars
1. Line, Athens
2. The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens
3. Sips, Barcelona
4. Himkok, Oslo
5. Bar Nouveau, Paris
6. Moebius Milano, Milan
7. The Cambridge Public House, Paris
8. Mirror Bar, Bratislava
9. Paradiso, Barcelona
10. Connaught Bar, London
11. Satan’s Whiskers, London
12. Tayēr + Elementary, London
13. Barro Negro, Athens
14. Baba au Rum, Athens
15. Svanen, Oslo
16. Nouvelle Vague, Tirana
17. Wax On, Berlin
18. Camparino in Galleria, Milan
19. Danico, Paris
20. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
21. Locale Firenze, Florence
22. 1930, Milan
23. Waltz, London
24. Bird, Copenhagen
25. Alma Prague, Prague
26. Aldea, Barcelona
27. Harry’s Bar Paris, Paris
28. L’Antiquario, Naples
29. Gucci Giardino, Florence
30. The Clumsies, Athens
31. Freni e Frizioni, Rome
32. Drink Kong, Rome
33. Gorilla, Thessaloniki
34. De Vie, Paris
35. 14 De La Rosa, Barcelona
36. Boadas, Barcelona
37. Tjoget, Stockholm
38. Forbína Bar, Prague
39. Tag, Krakow
40. Kwãnt Mayfair, London
41. Three Sheets (Soho), London
42. Super Lyan, Amsterdam
43. Röda Huset, Stockholm
44. Late Bloomers, Zurich
45. Angelita, Madrid
46. Salmon Guru, Madrid
47. Scarfes Bar, London
48. Foco, Barcelona
49. Rita, Milan
50. Dunlin, Innsbruck
Source: 50 Best
Perhaps one of the world’s best hotel bars, the Connaught Bar opened in 2008 with its Cubist decor, Mayfair address and classic style.
The bar’s signature dry martini has made headlines, arriving by trolley and stirred directly at your table.
One customer said: ‘Beautiful bar with lively atmosphere. Cocktail menu is gorgeous. Lots of drinks to choose from. If you love martinis, we highly recommend ordering one. The martini cart experience is quite special. My husband is very particular with his martinis and enjoyed his.’
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
