Singapore's Jigger & Pony named Asia's top bar as COVID-19 casts shadow on bar industry
SINGAPORE — Asia’s bar industry gave recognition to the top watering holes in the region even as business reeled from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with Singapore’s Jigger & Pony clinching top spot.
The fifth edition of the annual Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking was announced yesterday (14 May) in a virtual countdown which was streamed online. The ceremony was originally planned to take place in Singapore at Capitol Theatre, but lockdown prohibitions against large gatherings made organisers change plans.
The 2020 ranking spanned bars from Asian countries including China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. See the full list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars below.
Jigger & Pony at Amara Hotel was named the Best Bar in Asia and the Best Bar in Singapore, after being ranked at No. 9 in Asia last year. The bar specialises in thoughtful reimaginations of classic drinks. Innovative cocktails such as Mango Hazelnut Daiquiri and Mineral Vodka Soda feature alongside signatures such as its Ramos Gin Fizz.
Mark Sansom, content editor of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, said, “Today’s announcement was less of a celebration, and rather a form of recognition and an expression of solidarity across the bar-loving world. The coming months may indeed be some of the toughest we’ve experienced, both personally and professionally, as we prepare for an unknown future. But today, we stand with Asia. Stay healthy, stay safe, stay strong, and together, we will overcome this.”
Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list
1) Jigger & Pony, Singapore
2) The Old Man, Hong Kong, China
3) Coa, Hong Kong, China
4) Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei, Taiwan
5) Atlas, Singapore
6) Native, Singapore
7) The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
8) Manhattan, Singapore
9) The SG Club, Tokyo, Japan
10) Aha Saloon, Taipei, Taiwan
11) Vesper, Bangkok, Thailand
12) Sober Company, Shanghai, China
13) Bar Mood, Taipei, Taiwan
14) Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
15) Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan
16) Quinary, Hong Kong, China
17) Tippling Club, Singapore
18) The Wise King, Hong Kong, China
19) Speak Low, Shanghai, China
20) High Five, Tokyo, Japan
21) Bee’s Knees, Kyoto, Japan
22) The Old Man, Singapore
23) D.Bespoke, Singapore
24) Tropic City, Bangkok, Thailand
25) Gibson, Singapore
26) Draft Land, Taipei, Taiwan
27) Room by Le Kief, Taipei, Taiwan
28) 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong, China
29) Charles H, Seoul, South Korea
30) 28 HongKong Street, Singapore
31) Rabbit Hole, Bangkok, Thailand
32) Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
33) Backstage Cocktail Bar, Bangkok, Thailand
34) Caprice Bar, Hong Kong, China
35) The Pontiac, Hong Kong, China
36) Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou, China
37) Junglebird, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
38) The Odd Couple, Shanghai, China
39) Bar Trench, Tokyo, Japan
40) Sidecar, New Delhi, India
41) Bar Orchard Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
42) The Curator, Manila, Philippines
43) Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar, Jakarta, Indonesia
44) Lobster Bar & Grill, Hong Kong, China
45) The Back Room, Manila, Philippines
46) MO Bar, Singapore
47) Alice, Seoul, South Korea
48) Coley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
49) Le Chamber, Seoul, South Korea
50) Bar Cham, Seoul, South Korea
