
Seoul's Zest ranks No. 2 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025
Leading the Seoul contingent was Zest, climbing to the No. 2 spot and earning the title of Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria. The bar is known for its progressive techniques and sustainable practices,
Bar Cham, located in Seochon, which has gained popularity for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonal approach, placed No. 6.
Alice, an Alice in Wonderland–inspired speakeasy located in Cheongdam-dong, rose an impressive 33 places to land at No. 13, securing the Nikka Highest Climber Award.
Rounding out Seoul's representation was Le Chamber, a long-standing favorite known for its hidden entrance and luxurious atmosphere, also in Cheongdam-dong, coming in at No. 50.
The awards ceremony was held in Macao, celebrating Asia's most innovative and inspiring bars.
Bar Leone in Hong Kong was crowned The Best Bar in Asia for the second year running. The bar, owned by renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori, offers a focused menu of reimagined classic cocktails while maintaining a strong local identity.
Other notable performers included Jigger & Pony in Singapore, which took the No. 3 spot, named The Best Bar in Singapore.
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Korea Herald
16-07-2025
- Korea Herald
Seoul's Zest ranks No. 2 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025
Seoul's vibrant cocktail scene earned international recognition once again at the unveiling of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 on July 15 in Macao, with four bars from the capital featured in the prestigious list, including two in the top 10. Leading the Seoul contingent was Zest, climbing to the No. 2 spot and earning the title of Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria. The bar is known for its progressive techniques and sustainable practices, Bar Cham, located in Seochon, which has gained popularity for its locally sourced ingredients and seasonal approach, placed No. 6. Alice, an Alice in Wonderland–inspired speakeasy located in Cheongdam-dong, rose an impressive 33 places to land at No. 13, securing the Nikka Highest Climber Award. Rounding out Seoul's representation was Le Chamber, a long-standing favorite known for its hidden entrance and luxurious atmosphere, also in Cheongdam-dong, coming in at No. 50. The awards ceremony was held in Macao, celebrating Asia's most innovative and inspiring bars. Bar Leone in Hong Kong was crowned The Best Bar in Asia for the second year running. The bar, owned by renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori, offers a focused menu of reimagined classic cocktails while maintaining a strong local identity. Other notable performers included Jigger & Pony in Singapore, which took the No. 3 spot, named The Best Bar in Singapore.


Korea Herald
15-07-2025
- Korea Herald
BAR LEONE IS CROWNED THE BEST BAR IN ASIA AT ASIA'S 50 BEST BARS FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
For the full 1-50 list, please view here. MACAU, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bar Leone in Hong Kong has clinched the coveted title of The Best Bar in Asia and The Best Bar in Hong Kong, sponsored by Perrier, for the second consecutive year, at the live awards ceremony for Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 in Macau. Bar Leone made 50 Best history in 2024 by being the first-ever establishment to debut on the list at No.1 and as The Best Bar in Asia. Owned by Lorenzo Antinori, the menu features a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails, all while staying true to its identity as a neighbourhood bar. At No.2 is Zest in Seoul, clinching the title of The Best Bar in Korea, sponsored by Tia Maria, while at No.3, Jigger & Pony is The Best Bar in Singapore, sponsored by Torres Brandy. Emma Sleight, Head of Content for Asia's 50 Best Bars, says: "We're thrilled to gather in Macau with Asia's vibrant and passionate drinks community. With 20 new entries, the most in recent years, this list is a testament to the boundary-pushing creativity of the region. Congratulations to Bar Leone for the incredible feat of retaining the No.1 spot."


Korea Herald
03-07-2025
- Korea Herald
Four Seoul bars secure coveted spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 extended list
Four Seoul-based establishments have been named in the extended 51–100 rankings of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025, released Thursday. Pine & Co., ranked No. 52, leads the city's entries with a concept rooted in symbolism and science. Named for the pine tree, representing longevity, and the pineapple, a symbol of hospitality, the bar blends high-tech cocktail craft with a warm, homey ambiance. Guests are invited into a "mad scientist's lab," complete with sous vide machines, rotovaps and vacuum-packing tools, while seated among flickering candles, leather couches and bookshelves. The bar champions sustainability, partnering with local cafes to upcycle spent coffee grounds into ingredients. Coming in at No. 54, Soko channels the elegance and intimacy of 1920s drinking culture with a distinctly Korean-Western flair. Led by bartender-owner Son Soko, its signature cocktails like the dry martini and the inventive Mr. Peanut — a mix of whisky, amaro cordial and peanut — reflect the venue's creative edge. Its wooden carvings, warm lighting and a sleek backlit bar set the tone for a fashionable and loyal clientele. At No. 63, GongGan offers a serene escape inside a restored hanok. The light-filled space centers on a leafy courtyard and minimalist design. Drinks are rooted in personal memories, such as the Si-Jang, a tipple that evokes visits to traditional markets. Rounding out Seoul's representation is Charles H at No. 96, an intimate speakeasy tucked inside the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The venue channels vintage glamor with world-class polish. Guests can expect elevated classics like the Velvet Martini, featuring vermouth, fino sherry and citrusy Jeju Hallabong, alongside bold house creations such as the Coconut Grove, blending rum, pineapple, coconut milk and Thai red curry for a tropical kick. The extended 51–100 list, now in its fifth year, serves as a preview to the main Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 awards ceremony, scheduled for July 15 in Macao. Sponsored by Perrier, the list is curated by a gender-balanced voting panel of over 300 bartenders, bar owners, drinks journalists and cocktail experts from across Asia.