Singapore’s star is rising in the International Bar Scene, and the awards and recognition have started flowing in. Last year, we led the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards, with a whopping thirteen bars taking spots on the list, and the champion’s laurels going to Manhattan Bar. This year, the results are still up in the air, but we have, as a country, already won a significant victory.
Singapore will be hosting the inaugural Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony at the Capitol Theatre on the evening of 3rd May 2018. It will dovetail the Singapore Cocktail Festival from 4th to 13th May.
What better celebration of our cocktail culture could there be?
Naturally, while we are proud of our nation’s achievements, the awards celebrate Asia’s bar scene, not just our own. Speaking as frequent travellers ourselves, we have been quite excited to see many excellent establishments pop up all over the region, some of which are a match for even the excellent bars we have here.
Yet, despite far too much time spent flying and drinking, there’s plenty of other stuff that we were curious about. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk to William Drew, Group Editor of the 50 Best brand, and get his thoughts on the bar scene in Asia, people, and identity.
7 Questions with William Drew
1. How do you think Asia and Singapore in particular fares on the world stage for bars?
Asia fares increasingly well, and Singapore is undoubtedly leading the way in Asia. In recent years the global focus of cocktails and great bars has broadened to take in more cities in Asia, with a little less over-emphasis on the traditional centres such as New York and London. Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo and Shanghai are all raising their profiles as great destinations for discerning drinkers.
2. Why recognise bars in Asia in particular (as opposed to other regions)?
Bars in Europe and North America are already well recognised and rewarded. But Asia has a wide variety of bars of great quality which have not been as well recognised globally and we believe Asia’s 50 Best Bars will shine a bright spotlight on bars in the region, raising their profile and celebrating innovation, consistency, development and passion. Other regions may be subject to their own list in the future, but we feel that the time is right to launch an awards in Asia as its bar scene goes from strength to strength.
3. Singaporeans by now are quite familiar with the scene back home, but may not have been exposed to other countries’ (save for guest shifts). What are other up-and-coming cocktail cities that you think might have slipped under the bar-radar?
Taipei, for sure, seems to be very exciting. Seoul is developing. Shanghai is opening up.
4. What trends do you observe for bars in Asia?
Sustainability. Not just in terms of sourcing and waste, but also in terms of social policy and human sustainability (looking after your staff properly to enhance the bar industry as a career prospect). Asian sourcing. Increasing focus on food to match the drinks, and food elements within the drinks and garnishes.
We like to say it’s a celebration more than it is a competition – and that 50 Best seeks to be a positive force in the food and drinks sector as well as a great guide for international travellers who are seeking out discerning drinks destinations and outstanding dining experiences.
5. Do you see a unique identity for bars in Asia, and Singapore in particular?
Yes. Not across the board, but increasingly. Bars are becoming more rooted in their location, their back story, the heritage of their city or region, and utilising and manifesting that in their offerings. In Singapore, there is a tradition of melting and merging influences, but there is now a Singaporean cultural identity of its own that is increasingly strong.
6. While the awards are competitive in nature, do you observe any effects of bar communities in Asia, or Singapore that would improve the entire bar scene overall? Is there some degree of cross-pollination or cooperation that you think benefits everyone?
Yes, exactly that. In our experience of running The World’s 50 Best Bars, as well as the 50 Best Restaurants awards in different parts of the world, we see the sense of community, co-operation, mutual admiration, open-mindedness and desire to learn from each other all increase when we stage these celebrations, especially after a few years.
We like to say it’s a celebration more than it is a competition – and that 50 Best seeks to be a positive force in the food and drinks sector as well as a great guide for international travellers who are seeking out discerning drinks destinations and outstanding dining experiences.
7. How do you see the Asian bar scene evolving in the next two years?
Fast! It’s an exciting time, for sure.
The Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards list is created from the votes of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, an influential group of over 200 industry leaders across Asia’s bar sector. Members list seven choices each in order of preference, based on their best bar experiences over the last 18 months – a minimum of three votes must go to bars located outside his or her country of residence. For more details on the voting process, visit www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia/voting.php.
