Asia’s 50 Best Bars hosted their 2024 Award Ceremony in Hong Kong at the Rosewood Hotel on July 16, welcoming guests from across the region and globally for the festivities. That night, theynamed Hong Kong’s own Bar Leone as the winner.
Founded by industry veteran Lorenzo Antinori, who formerly presided at Argo Bar at the Four Seasons Hong Kong, Bar Leone has officially secured its place as the best cocktail bar in the continent just over a year since its opening. Additionally, the bar received the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, marking the first time a new entry was dubbed Best Bar in Asia.
“It's an insane feeling. We opened the bar just over a year ago. We're a small company that decided to pursue this dream and we are very lucky to have amazing team members that believe in the project. We are just very grateful to be a part of this community,” Lorenzo shared.
The Roman cocktail bar draws inspiration from Italy’s “cocktail popolari” concept, or “cocktails for the people,” truly embodying the passion for hospitality Bar Leone’s team delivers at the venue. Aiming to be “the neighborhood’s living room,” in Lorenzo’s words, the venue is nestled in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, on Bridges Street, serving delicious drinks and bites that exude Italian service excellence.
On Bar Leone’s seasonal cocktail menu are revived classics adorned with minimalist garnishes, welcoming guests to savor the excellence of their refined flavors. Classic Italian fare is available to order, earning them the nickname “Mozzarella Bar,” Lorenzo lovingly joked.
“We describe Bar Leone as a celebration of simplicity. We wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable, feel welcome. This is what really matters for us, being able to host Asia’s 50 Best this year in Hong Kong one more time and being able to welcome all the fans,” he continued.
“I can’t wait to welcome more friends from around the world to Bar Leone,” Lorenzo concluded.
Second on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list was eco-conscious bar, Zest from Seoul, also earning the title of The Best Bar in Korea. Jigger & Ponyfrom Singapore earned third place and The Best Bar in Singaporeaward for the fifth year in a row, followed by Hong Kong’s Coa in fourth place, which was last year’s top spot holder. Rounding up the list at No. 5 isBar Benfiddichfrom Tokyo, earning the title of The Best Bar in Japan.
Other destination awards included BKK Social Clubat seventh place, also earning the title of The Best Bar in Thailand,Penrose from Kuala Lumpur at No. 8 earning The Best Bar in Malaysia title, Vender from Taichung winningBest Bar in Taiwan, Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame earning The Best Bar in Mainland Chinatitle, The St. Regis Bar was named The Best Bar in Macau, and Manila's The Curator earning the title of The Best Bar in the Philippines.
Emma Sleight, the Head of Content of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, commented: "We are thrilled to be back in Hong Kong celebrating Asia’s vibrant bar community.The region's bars continuously redefine exceptional drinking experiences, showcased by the talent and creativity at this year’s winning establishments. Huge congratulations to the tour de force that is Lorenzo Antinori and the whole team at Bar Leone for the impressive – and previously unheard of – feat of entering the ranking at No. 1. This is undoubtedly a strong testament to the bar’s irreverent and casual approach to cocktails, design, service and hospitality."
Rounding up the celebrations, Call Me Al will be hosting a recovery event, including easy-drinking beverages and smashed burgers. Their Head Bartender Zana Mohlmann, Assistant Bar Manager Riccardo Lugano, and Chef de Cuisine Carolyn Or from Conrad Singapore Orchard will join forces to celebrate the region's bar and hospitality scene.
Planning your next trip to Bar Leone? Check out our full review here!
Asia’s Best Bar 2024 Location: Bar Leone, 11-15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong
