Entries open for Top 50 Cocktail Bars specialist categories

Getting your bar on the coveted Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, sponsored by Franklin & Sons, is more than just about serving great drinks, it's about standing out in the industry.

This prestigious list is curated by a panel of nearly 300 industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and influencers. It's a list created by those in the know, for those who want to know where to go.

Fantastic opportunity 

Alongside the main list announcement, the event in February also sees the crowning of the winners of the specialist categories which are now open for entries. Entering these awards is a fantastic way of raising your bar’s profile and potentially aligning yourselves with the best in the UK.

The categories are judged through their application forms by an expert judging panel who then create a shortlist for each category. The next step in the process is a visit to the shortlisted bars so the dedicated judge can get a real-life experience of the hospitality, drinks, vibe, cleanliness and sit down and have an interview with the nominator to get into the nitty gritty of the bar.

Whether your bar is new on the scene or a longstanding favourite, these awards offer a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition. The "One to Watch" category is open to bars of all ages, giving everyone a shot at joining the prestigious list.

The "Sustainable Bar of the Year" award allows bars to highlight their efforts to reduce environmental impact, showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainability.

Future of bartending 

The Rising Star award, in association with Brown-Forman, works in a similar way, except you can either self-enter or be nominated by someone in the industry.

This award is for bartenders who are in the infancy of their career (within 3 years) to highlight and support the future of bartending. The judging process take place across several rounds to shortlist to a final five with the winner being announced at the final awards ceremony.

For those who excel in teamwork, the "Bar Team of the Year" award, judged by a small panel of experts, celebrates the collective effort that goes into creating outstanding bar experiences.

If you think your bar has what it takes then enter now, you have until Sunday 13 October 2024 to submit your application.