SINGAPORE -  Media OutReach  - 9 May 2019 - The 2019 list of Asia's 50 Best Bars was announced atCapitol Theatre, Singapore, for the second consecutive year. The fourth editionof the annual ranking features 12 new entries and sees Hong Kong's The Old Man clinch the No.1 spot, alsobecoming The Best Bar in Asia 2019,sponsored by Perrier, and The BestBar in China, also sponsored by Perrier.

Manhattan at No.2 is once again The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Michter'sand also nets the Legend of the ListAward, sponsored by Michter's, a title that celebrates the bar with consistentexcellence over the history of the list.

At No.3 is Indulge Experimental Bistro,The Best Bar in Taiwan, sponsored by The London Essence Company.Singapore claims the next two spots with Native (rising four places toNo.4) and Atlas (No.5).

This year'sedition of Asia's 50 Best Bars kicks off a three-year partnership between the50 Best organisation and Singapore Tourism Board. The collaboration will also see The World's 50 Best Restaurants awardsand The World's 50 Best Bars awards make its Asian debut in Singapore in 2019and 2021 respectively.

Individual Country/Region Awards

Mainland China

Along with The Old Man at No.1, MainlandChina claims another 11 bars on the list, including Hong Kong establishments Quinary(rising 5 places to No.10), newcomer The Wise King (No.18), ThePontiac (No.32), Lobster Bar & Grill (No.33), Stockton(No.36), and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana (No.38). Coa (No.12) takeshome the honour of Highest New Entry, sponsored by Seedlip.

Shanghai is represented by Speak Low(No.7), Sober Company (No.16) and Union Trading Company (No.30),while Guangzhou-based Hope & Sesame makes its debut at No.35.

Singapore

Jumping 33 spotsto land at No.9, Jigger & Ponyearns the Highest Climber Award,sponsored by Mr Black. Also flying the flag for Singapore are Tippling Club (No.11), Gibson (rising seven places to No.15), 28 HongKong Street (No.21), Operation Dagger (No.22), D.Bespoke (rising seven places to No.25),Employees Only (No.41), and The Other Room (rising four places toNo.46).

Thailand

The Bamboo Bar rose one spot to come in atNo.8 and is The Best Bar in Thailand, sponsored by Four Pillars.Thailand is also represented by Backstage Cocktail Bar (No.20), Vesper(rising one place to No.26), newcomers Tropic City (No.31) and RabbitHole (No.34), Smalls (No.42), and Teens of Thailand (No.48).

Japan

High Five (No.6) is once again The Best Bar inJapan, sponsored by Nikka Whisky. Other winning bars are The SG Club(a new entry at No.13), Bar Benfiddich (rising 3 places to No.17), BarTrench (No.23), Bar Orchard Ginza (rising nine places to No.28), andMixology Salon (No.49).

Shingo Gokan is nominated by thebartenders of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2019 as the recipient of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award for his impact and contribution to the bar scene.

Taiwan

In addition to Indulge Experimental Bistro at No.3,  the list welcomes three newcomers from Taipei --Aha Saloon (No.24), Bar Mood (No.43) and Draft Land (No.45).

Malaysia

Rising 19 places to No.27, Coley claimsthe title of The Best Bar in Malaysia, sponsored by Peroni, whilefirst-time entry Bar Trigona (No.40) nets the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award , which spotlights the bar that achieves the highestsustainability rating, as determined by audit partner Food Made Good Global. Junglebird also places at No.44 thisyear.

Korea, Philippines and Indonesia

Rising seven places to No.14, Charles His The Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Cointreau. Other Seoul-based barson the list are Le Chamber (No.19) and Alice Cheongdam (No.29).

Coming in at No.37, The Curator is TheBest Bar in the Philippines. Manila also contributes two new additions: Oto(No.47) and The Back Room (No.50).

Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar is The BestBar in Indonesia, moving up two spots to land at No.39.

Special Award

South Korea's Pussyfoot Saloon is this year's Campari One To Watch, an awardpresented to a rising-star bar as having the potential to break into the elitelist in the future.

How the Asia's 50 Best Bars list is compiled

The list iscreated from the votes of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, an influential groupof over 200 industry leaders across Asia's bar sector. For details on thevoting process, visit www.worlds50bestbars.com/asia/voting.php.  

About Asia's 50 Best Bars

The story started in 2002 with thelaunch of The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, which has since grown into themost important international dining guide in the world and a hugely influentialvoice in gastronomy. In 2009, The World's 50 Best Bars list was created, withan annual awards ceremony launched in 2012. Asia's 50 Best Bars was added tothe portfolio in 2016. The 50 Best brand now champions a global community ofbartenders and chefs, cocktail aficionados and gourmets, who travel the globeto explore and experience the only worldwide ranking for premium drinking anddining. Beyond lists, 50 Best showcases leading trends and highlights upcomingfood and drink destinations. 50 Best is owned by William Reed Business Media,which is entirely responsible for the organisation of the awards, the votingsystem and the respective lists.

Follow us onTwitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: @50BestBars #Asias50BestBars / www.youtube.com/worlds50best

About Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore's key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, it shapes a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. STB brings the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com or follow on Twitter @STB_sg.