Hong Kong’s cocktail scene has reached a groundbreaking milestone with Bar Leone being crowned the world’s best bar at the prestigious “The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025” awards ceremony. Held at the iconic Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Wednesday, this recognition marks an unprecedented moment for Asian hospitality, as Bar Leone becomes the first bar from the continent to claim the top global spot.

Located in Central, the bar is the brainchild of founder Lorenzo Antinori, who expressed profound pride in this historic achievement. For Antinori, the award represents more than just a personal triumph—it’s a celebration of Hong Kong’s emerging global reputation in the cocktail and hospitality industry.

The significance of this moment extends beyond Bar Leone’s individual success. The awards ceremony, which attracted over 1,000 bar investors and mixologists from around the world, underscored Hong Kong’s growing prominence as an international hub for hospitality talent. This global recognition was further amplified by another local establishment, COA, which secured an impressive 38th position on the same prestigious list.

Recognizing the potential of this moment, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has proactively updated its online bar map to highlight award-winning local venues featured in both “Asia’s 50 Best Bars” and “The World’s 50 Best Bars” lists. This strategic move aims to help visitors and cocktail enthusiasts explore the city’s vibrant and diverse bar culture, potentially boosting tourism and international interest in Hong Kong’s nightlife scene.

The accolade represents more than just a single bar’s achievement—it signals a broader transformation in Hong Kong’s global positioning within the hospitality industry. By showcasing world-class mixology skills and innovative bar concepts, establishments like Bar Leone are redefining perceptions of the city’s culinary and beverage landscape.

For cocktail enthusiasts, bar professionals, and curious travelers, this recognition offers an exciting glimpse into Hong Kong’s evolving hospitality scene. The city is no longer just a transit hub or financial center, but an emerging destination for those passionate about exceptional drinks and innovative bar experiences.

Those eager to stay updated on such groundbreaking developments are encouraged to download The Standard app, which promises to deliver the latest news and insights about Hong Kong’s dynamic hospitality sector.

Bar Leone’s historic win is not just a personal milestone for Antinori and his team, but a testament to Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a global leader in mixology and hospitality. It represents a moment of pride for the city, showcasing its ability to compete and excel on the international stage, one perfectly crafted cocktail at a time.