Latest news with #50Best
Irish Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish island named as one of the 'most beautiful' in world
Ireland's picturesque Achill Island has landed itself a spot on a list of most beautiful islands in the world. The Mayo island beat the volcanic Greek island of Milos and Thailand's stunning Koh Lipe to take the number eight spot on The 50 Best Islands in The World from Big 7 Travel. With destinations from across the globe, the list celebrates unique island experiences and inspiring places to explore in 2025. This year's ranking highlights a mix of trending destinations, remote escapes and iconic favourites. The list is based on aggregated scores from previous media results, contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team, destination popularity on social media, and destinations capturing travellers' attention in 2025. Achill Island, Co Mayo Here is the 2025 top 10 list: Sri Lanka Mo'orea, French Polynesia Socotra, Yemen Madeira The Galapagos, Ecuador Great Exuma, Bahamas Seychelles Achill Island, Ireland Koh Lipe, Thailand Milos, Greece Big 7 Travel Editor Aleyna Yilmaz told the Irish Mirror: "Achill, with its wind-whipped Atlantic coastline, moss-green hills, sheltered bays, and incredible sea wildlife, earns its spot on Big 7 Travel's guide to The 50 Best Islands in the World. "You might not find swaying palm trees or guaranteed sunshine here, but you will find pristine beaches — Keem Bay is often named among the world's best — and the rare luxury of unhurried calm." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Five Indian bars have made it to Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025. Is Indian mixology on the rise?
This year five Indian bars have made it to Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025. Released on July 15 in Macau, the list features New Delhi's Lair among its top-10 bars. But to anyone who has been paying attention to the country's rapidly evolving cocktail culture, this is no surprise. With cutting-edge cocktail programmes, sleek interiors and menus that champion local ingredients, there has been a conscious effort to elevate Indian bars, by balancing between global trends and local flavours. The list (long-list included) has three bars from Bengaluru, two each from Goa and Delhi, and one from Mumbai. We speak to the people behind these bars, to find out their winning formula. Indian bars that feature on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list 8. Lair, New Delhi 28. Soka, Bengaluru 30. Boilermaker, Goa 31. ZLB23, Bengaluru 37. Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru The bars on the long list 62. Sidecar, New Delhi 69. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai 94. Hideaway, Goa Technique meets design Delhi's Lair, which takes the eighth spot on the list, also won the Best Bar in India 2025 award by Asia's 50 Best Bars. Its cocktails are inventive, and its ambience minimalist and edgy. On the official 50 Best website, Lair is described as a sleek hidden retreat. 'The menu, divided into three levels — beginners, intermediate, and superior — guides patrons through a journey of flavour complexity. Signature cocktails include the Blueberry Cheesecake, infused with blueberry and cream liqueur, and the Mountain Breeze, inspired by the Himalayas, with regional infusions. Don't let the extensive menu scare you, the friendly bartenders go out of their way to listen to preferences and suggest drinks suited to your taste and mood.' The bar is designed in shades of black and grey, and the design aesthetic is almost Brutalist. Founder and managing director Jairaj Singh Solanki says, 'We went with a unique design, monochrome concept. It feels like you are inside a cave. Lights are dim and we have spotlights on the tables. Colours are on the plates and drinks.' Delhi-based architecture and interior-design studio Renesa is the creative force behind the decor. Back to basics Boilermaker in Goa is a new entry on the list, coming in at 30. The bar was founded in late 2024 by Nakul Bhonsle, a craft beer entrepreneur and Pankaj Balachandran, a mixologist. 'India's bartending community is stronger than ever. The quality of our bars continues to rise, and the industry is evolving. A few years ago, I said this was the best time to be part of this space — and this year proves that statement truer than ever. We're not just growing; we're thriving,' Pankaj says. So what makes this bar in Siolim click? 'Boilermaker is bringing back what a bar should be — unpretentious, laid-back, and full of soul. A true dive bar atmosphere where the priority is simple: good drinks, good times, and great people. At its heart, Boilermaker celebrates the classic shot-and-beer combo — no frills, just fun. But it is more than that. Walking in feels like stepping into a friend's house party, where everyone is welcome and the vibe is effortless,' says Pankaj. The drinks pay homage to Goa with Biso Manana Karamel, a twist on an Old Fashioned made with overripe Moira bananas and local feni. The food too has Goan touches, with tambdi bhaji sourdough melts and balchão stuffed pickled cucumbers. The Asia's Best Bar official website says, 'Everything about Boilermaker is carefully considered, but the feeling you get is one of a remarkably relaxed place that's made to hang out with your gang. It's a refreshing change as well as a reminder of that local flavour that defines Goa.' Modern meets local ZLB23 in The Leela Palace Bengaluru ranks 31 on the list. The Kyoto-inspired bar has chic, vintage decor and skilled mixologists that shake up Prohibition era cocktails like Tokyo Bees Knees, Japanese Old Fashioned, and Bootlegger. The interiors make you feel like you could be in New York or London. 'ZLB has carved a unique identity by blending theatrical storytelling with innovative cocktails and deeply personalised service. It is not just a bar but an immersive experience,' says Madhav Sehgal, area vice president, (operations south & Head of Sales – South India, The Leela Palace Hotels and Resorts. ZLB23 has invited more than 50 international and domestic bar takeovers in the past few years, making its presence felt on the global stage. At the same time, the bar is also honouring its roots. Madhav says, 'Our newest 'Native' section is a tribute to the soil we stand upon, drawn from Bengaluru's heartland, and crafted with ingredients that belong to these roots. For example, the drink Fire and Water is made with bhajji chilli, Coco Fizz uses tender coconut water and annanas has local rani pineapples.' Asia's 50 Best Bars describes ZLB23 as 'A stroll down a winding garden path, a trot through a bustling hotel kitchen and a short ride in a service lift: this brief journey, albeit confounding, is well worth it.' Tending to the bar 'This is one of the greatest times to be part of the Indian bar community,' says Arijit Bose, founder of Bengaluru-based Bar Spirit Forward, that is listed at number 37. 'A bustling bar with a fun, boisterous crew manning the counters, Bar Spirit Forward is built for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate craft, clarity, and context in their drinks. With a rich backstory led by industry veterans, including Arijit Bose, formerly of Countertop India and the team behind Goa's Tesouro, ranked No.4 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2022, it focuses on creating a buzzy atmosphere that is punctuated by technically sound cocktails,' says the award list about this bar in the heart of the city. Perhaps because Arijit is a veteran in the industry, he knows it is the bartenders who make the bar work. Arijit says, 'If closely examined, bartender-lead-and-owned bars are making a splash, which was always the key to building a good bar. To cite a few examples, Goa's Hideaway, with Sheldon Abranches and Aditya Tribhuvan; Delhi's Sidecar, with Yangdup Lama and Minakshi Singh; Bengaluru's Soka, with Avinash Kapoli and Sombir Choudhary; Lair, with Navjot Singh at its helm — are all run by people who care about the business and craft. This will spur more people to open bartender lead programmes and venues similar to NYC, London, Thailand, Singapore or Tokyo.' The long list features three Indian bars Sidecar in New Delhi came in at number 62. Founder Yangdup Lama, who won the Roku Industry Icon award last year, says, 'With the inclusion of many Indian bars, the list puts a lot of attention on India.' What makes Sidecar stand out? 'I would say it is purely the focus — on not just awards, but on what's in the glass,' he says. The 94th spot went to Hideaway in Goa. Nathaniel da Costa, partner, says, 'It is an incredible feeling to be amongst some of the best bars in Asia and the world. At Hideaway, the main focus is on the customer experience and that is multifold, through our drinks, our food, the music, whether live or through our playlists and the interactions with our staff. As soon as you walk in, you know you're at a bar unlike any other.' The Bombay Canteen clinched the 69th position. 'This is a landmark moment for India's bar community,' says Yash Bhanage, founder and COO. 'Our bar evolves with a menu that explores regional Indian ingredients and craft spirits, always designed to feel in sync with the overall dining experience. But at the same time, it holds its own, whether you are just here for a cocktail at the bar or sipping one alongside a meal, the drinks are meant to engage, surprise, and delight.' Capturing the spirit of the city With three bars from Bengaluru on the list, there must be something the city is getting right. From being called the pub capital and the brewery capital, it may now be the craft cocktail capital of India. It is this spirit that Soka (number 28) captures just right. 'Bengaluru loves to chill. Our drinks try to do the same,' says Avinash Kapoli, the co-founder. 'They are inventive without being pretentious, familiar without being boring. Whether it is a reimagined filter coffee cocktail for our fragrance-paired menu or a highball with local ingredients, we build drinks the way this city lives. curious, complex, a little rebellious, and always laid-back.' He says their bar programme is technical, but also human. The drinks are a tribute to old Bengaluru: Black Cadillac is named after an old pub on MG Road and Cheese Cherry Pineapple is an ode to a bar snack at Downtown Pub. 'We didn't build SOKA to follow a template. We built it to feel. Just damn good drinks, super snacks, honest hospitality, and a team that shows up every single night with heart.' With inputs from Prabalika M. Borah and Priyamedha Dutta
India Today
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
5 Indian bars make it to Asia's 50 Best list
It's happy hours in India as the bars have been raised, IRL! A total of five bars from across the nation have secured spots in the coveted Asia's 50 Best Bars list. India has also stirred its way up into the top 10 (glass clink!).From experimental mixology to intimate speakeasies, the country's cocktail game has officially found a place on the global map. The '50 Best' is a leading organisation in global gastronomy and the international drinks' scene, recognising worldwide trends and talent. This year, bars from Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa made the bars in Asia's 50 Best Bars ListadvertisementFrom India, Lair in New Delhi has been crowned 'The Best Bar in India.'Lair, Delhi - 8th positionSoka, Bengaluru - 28th positionBoilermaker, Goa - 30th positionZLB23, Bengaluru - 31st positionBar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru - 37th positionLocated in New Delhi, Lair is regarded as a modern speakeasy with a menu divided into three levels -beginners, intermediate, and superior. Signature cocktails include the Blueberry Cheesecake, infused with blueberry and cream liqueur, and the Mountain Breeze, inspired by the Himalayas and crafted with regional located inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru, jumped nine spots this year. With velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers setting the tone, the bar serves creative cocktails and boasts a collection of "hard-to-find" whiskeys and premium spirits from around the Boilermaker and Bar Spirit Forward made their debut and how!The Goan bar Boilermaker celebrates the region's craft beer with a twist of overripe Moira bananas and local feni. Meanwhile Soka features spicy tequila concoctions, cilantro-sprinkled rims, and other exotic elements. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOILERMAKER (@ annual ranking is based on the votes of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, comprising the most knowledgeable and travelled members ofthe bar industry, drinks media and mixology experts from across Asia, according to their the organisation also released an extended list from 51st to 100. It also included four Indian bars.55th: Bar Outrigger, Goa62nd: Sidecar, New Delhi69th: The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai94th: Hideaway, GoaThe cocktail scene in India is growing. There is a rise of homegrown spirits, regional ingredients and menus that not just sell drinks but share narratives. It highlights the bold new chapter in the book of Indian mixology. It is no longer limited to imitating international trends but more about curating signature recipes and how.- Ends
Hype Malaysia
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From Penrose KL To Reka:Bar: The 4 Malaysian Bars Listed In Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025!
Another year rolls around, and bars across Asia hold their breath as Asia's 50 Best Bars reveals its winners. This prestigious list doesn't just spotlight great drinks—it celebrates creativity, consistency, and the culture behind the bar. For bartenders and cocktail lovers alike, it's the region's ultimate benchmark of excellence and a moment of recognition that can transform a bar's future. This year, Malaysia proves once again that its cocktail scene is bold, ambitious, and world-class. From sleek hotel lounges to boundary-pushing speakeasies, these standout bars have earned their place among Asia's best. They don't just serve drinks—they tell stories, push techniques, and champion local flavours. Here are the 4 Malaysian bars that have earned their place on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list: Penrose KL (No.10) Holding its title in the top ten, Penrose KL has quickly proven itself as a standout in the regional bar scene. Only two years since its debut, the bar has already become a serious competitor in the beverage industry. What was once a hidden gem on Jalan Petaling is now a bustling go-to for bar hoppers. Its bold, diverse menu and sharp attention to detail offer an experience unlike any other in Malaysia. Beyond the drinks, Penrose KL shines through with its atmosphere and hospitality. The space blends sleek, modern design with a warm, welcoming energy. Each visit feels intentional, whether you're seated at the bar or tucked into a booth. It's this thoughtful balance of craft and comfort that keeps guests coming back and industry eyes firmly on Penrose KL. THREE X CO (No.15) Making its way up the list every year is the famed THREE X CO. Rocketing up from its previous spot of No. 56, the bar has proven that it's more than just a one-time experience. Tailored to be a relaxing and intimate place for you to have a fun time and unwind after a long day, it maintains the traditions for cocktail making while not being afraid to push the boundaries and create completely new and playful ones. The bar emphasises using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques. This approach creates flavours that feel both familiar and surprising. The intimate setting encourages connection, making it a favourite for relaxed evenings and special occasions alike. As it rises through the ranks, THREE X CO continues to redefine what a modern Malaysian bar can be. Bar Trigona (No.39) It's no surprise that the first Malaysian bar to enter the World's 50 Best Bars keeps shining. Bar Trigona has held its place on Asia's 50 Best Bars for four years straight, thanks to its unique use of honey in both its cocktails and its ethos. With expertly crafted drinks and one of the most intricately designed interiors around, it's the perfect spot for anyone seeking a standout cocktail experience. More than just great drinks, Bar Trigona champions sustainability and local pride by partnering with native honey producers. This connection not only supports Malaysia's ecosystem but also turns each visit into a chance to appreciate the vital role bees play, making every sip both delicious and meaningful. Reka:Bar (No.47) The only bar in Malaysia that makes you feel like you've travelled to the future makes an appearance on this list once again. Reka:Bar is widely known for its 'Domino Effect' chain, where each cocktail in a series of 12 cleverly shares and reuses ingredients from the drink before it, creating a continuous, evolving tasting experience. This inventive approach not only showcases the bar's creativity, but also highlights a commitment to sustainability in every pour. The bar's cutting-edge design complements its innovative drinks, creating a space that feels more like an art exhibit than a traditional lounge. Whether you're exploring new flavours or soaking in the vibe, Reka:Bar delivers an unforgettable journey for those looking to push the boundaries of cocktail culture. Rounding out Malaysia's impressive presence on this year's list, Coley KL and Backdoor Bodega have earned spots on the extended list of Asia's 100 Best Bars 2025—bringing the national total to six. It's a clear sign of the country's rising influence in the region, driven by creativity, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of identity. As Asia's cocktail scene continues to evolve, Malaysia is no longer just part of the conversation—it's helping shape it. Zaima Humaria contributed to this article.
AsiaOne
16-07-2025
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Man arrested for slashing ex-girlfriend's neck with knife at Malaysian university — and other top stories today, World News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Man arrested for slashing ex-girlfriend's neck with knife at Malaysian university A 21-year-old man was arrested in Malaysia for slashing his ex-girlfriend on the neck with a knife at the Taylor's University campus in Selangor on Monday (July 14)... » READ MORE 2. 'There's no one whose kin doesn't die': Jet Li reveals his thoughts on death, why he doesn't attend funerals, daughter being suicidal Jet Li, who was frequently plagued by rumours of his own demise, got candid about death in an interview recently... » READ MORE 3. Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025: 5 Singapore bars make the list, a drop from last year's 11 The results of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 are out, and while several of our local bars have done us proud once again, the number of Singapore-based establishments on the list this year has dropped compared to last year's... » READ MORE 4. 'A lesson learnt': Singaporean woman fractures rib while attempting viral Chongqing motorcycle trend It sounds romantic — a rendezvous with a handsome man on a motorcycle, with the splendour of Chongqing's night skyline in the background... » READ MORE editor@
