The Curator Reigns as the Philippines' Best Bar

Asia’s 50 Best Bars, the most authoritative spirits and cocktail ranking on the continent, returned to Hong Kong for its ninth edition. The region was selected to host the prestigious event for the second consecutive year as a testament to its flourishing cocktail scene and dynamic culture. Created in 2016 to showcase the innovative talents in the drinks industry, the annual list is based on votes from The Academy, composed of bartenders, bar owners, media, and cocktail experts from across the region.

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The Curator Doesn't Have to Prove It's the Best Bar in the Philippines (But It Is, And It Does)

After a series of pre-awarding activities, including themed cocktail experiences, newcomer Bar Leone was announced as the top winner at the live awards ceremony held at Rosewood Hotel on July 15. Consequently, a triple victory was achieved since it was also named The Best Bar in Hong Kong and the Highest New Entry Awardee. This is the first time in 50 Best Bars history that The Best Bar in Asia has been a new entry on the list. Only a year in operation, the bar, founded by Italian Lorenzo Antinori, focuses on cocktails inspired by traditional Roman bars.

Bar Leone team led by Lorenzo Antinori

Our very own The Curator Coffee & Cocktails, located in Legazpi Village, Makati, claimed the 33rd spot and was proudly named the Best Bar in The Philippines. Being on the elite list now for eight years, the bar's founder David Ong shares, “We are always grateful, nothing is expected. We are just glad to represent the country and hopefully, we can put the Philippines on the map collectively by bringing more people into the country and showing them our hospitality, food, drinks, and bars.” Expect a lot of international names to come over in 2024 through their initiated collaboration events that will surely make our local bar scene very vibrant.

Bernice Tiu and David Ong of The Curator Coffee & Cocktails

Interior of The Curator

Also in attendance was Southbank Cafe + Lounge from Westgate Center, Alabang, which debuted on the extended 51 to 100 list, achieving the 82nd position. Known for its Melbourne-inspired concept, the group led by Patrick Leyble Jr. and Wendy Esteban never imagined that their beverage program could be recognized on such a prestigious platform. After surviving the pandemic, the team strived to be the best they could, and this accolade gave them more motivation to improve the quality of their products and service to patrons.

“With our third location opening soon, we are dedicated to continuously learning and growing as a team. We also have plans in the succeeding months to initiate some events that we will share with our fellow bar professionals to help us all learn new knowledge and tools,” Wendy says.

Patrick Leyble Jr., Wendy Esteban, and Kevin Corales of Southbank

Here is the full list of winners with 15 new entries spanning 11 destinations.