'World's best' bar for 2023 is revealed

Barcelona has retained its grip on the World's 50 Best Bars list as intimate cocktail joint Sips claimed the top spot at 2023's awards.

With the coveted title long-dominated by London and New York establishments, Tuesday's announcement marked the second consecutive victory for the cosmopolitan city in Spain. Trendy speakeasy Paradiso, which took home last year's top prize, slipped to fourth this year.

Held at a decommissioned 1950s power plant in Singapore, Tuesday's ceremony was the first to be hosted outside Europe in the awards' 14-year history. The list has also become increasingly diverse in recent years: Mexico City has four bars on 2023's list, including the third-placed Handshake Speakeasy, while Argentina's capital Buenos Aires and host city Singapore are both home to three top 50 bars.

Several Asian countries saw establishments featured for the first time, including Seoul's sustainability-focused Zest — the highest new entry at 18th. Bangkok's burgeoning bar scene also enjoyed a strong showing, with Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar finishing 19th and the retro-styled BKK Social Club named Asia's top bar in 13th place.

Winners were voted for anonymously by the World's 50 Best Bar Academy, a group of 680 industry figures including bar owners, bartenders and critics. There are no specific voting criteria, with members simply asked to judge where "they have enjoyed the best experience," organizers said.