The cocktail landscape is poised for another exciting evolution, and the 2026 Top 50 Cocktail Bars list, set to be unveiled on February 10th at The Underglobe in London, will undoubtedly be a key indicator of the direction the industry is taking. Organized by The Morning Advertiser, this annual ranking continues to be a critical barometer of innovation, quality, and overall impact within the UK’s vibrant mixology scene.
This year’s list promises a mix of established giants and emerging talent. According to editor Ed Bedington, the event will showcase both familiar faces and exciting new contenders. The selection process, reportedly based on a combination of factors including cocktail innovation, bar design, customer experience, and overall influence, is rigorous and highly regarded.
Confirmed Participants
The list’s official participant roster is already shaping up to be impressive. Featuring a diverse range of establishments across the UK, key names confirmed include A Bar with Shapes for a Name (Hackney), Amaró Bar (Kensington), Archive & Myth (Leicester Square), Bar Glue (Liverpool), Bar Kinky (Fitzrovia), Bar Termini (Soho), Below Stairs (Leeds), Blinker (Manchester), Couch (Stirchley, Birmingham), Daddy Marmalades (Glasgow), Disrepute (Soho), Dram (Soho), Equal Part (Hackney), Filthy XIII (Bristol), Happiness Forgets (Hoxton), Hey Palu (Edinburgh), Kiki Lounge (Isle of Man), Kwãnt Mayfair (London), Lab 22 (Cardiff), Low Key (Cardiff), Lyaness (South Bank), Murder Inc (Soho), Nauticus (Edinburgh), Opium Soho (London), Over & Above (Harrogate), Panda & Sons (Edinburgh), Passing Fancies (Birmingham), Pearl at Parkhill (Sheffield), Satan’s Whiskers (Bethnal Green), Scarfes Bar (Holborn), Schofield’s Bar (Manchester), Side Hustle (Covent Garden), Sister Ray (Liverpool), Slow Pour (Liverpool), Soma Soho (Soho), Speak in Code (Manchester), Swift (Soho), Tabula Rasa (Leeds), Tayēr + Elementary (Shoreditch), The American Bar at Gleneagles, The Brain Jar (Hull), The Connaught Bar, The Hideout (Bath), The Milk Thistle (Bristol), The Morris (Manchester), The Spy Bar (Whitehall), Three Sheets Dalston & Soho, Viajante 87 (Notting Hill), Waltz (Shoreditch).
Awards and Events
Beyond the ranking itself, the event will host the announcement of the prestigious 2026 One To Watch award, sponsored by St Germain, and the Rising Star award, sponsored by Fords Gin. These accolades recognize businesses pushing boundaries and individuals demonstrating exceptional talent, representing the best in innovation and dynamism within the industry. The competition is fierce, and securing these awards can significantly elevate a bar’s profile and attract new customers.
What This Means for Consumers
The Top 50 list serves as a powerful guide for cocktail enthusiasts. It provides a focused selection of the UK’s finest bars, offering a reliable starting point for exploring new experiences and discovering hidden gems. It’s a curated selection, prioritizing quality and innovation – essential criteria for any discerning drinker.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The list offers a streamlined way to identify top-tier cocktail bars, saving valuable time and research. It consistently highlights innovation and emerging trends.
Cons:
Rankings can be subjective. The list only represents a snapshot in time and doesn’t account for potential shifts in the industry. Further investigation beyond the list is always recommended.
