The 2019 Spirited Awards nomination process saw a record number of submissions across categories. The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is thrilled by the hospitality industry’s participation in recognizing the incredible hard work and achievements of all involved and is proud to announce the Regional Top 10 honorees, broken into regions in the United States (East, Central and West) and Internationally (Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, The Americas (Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada).
Charlotte Voisey, Spirited Awards Chairperson said, “This year, I am delighted to see more nominations from more people in every region of the world, recognizing local talent and achievement. We want to continue this trend and encourage judges and individuals to raise the profile of their communities by nominating even more bars, individuals and teams.”
The following categories are announced within their respective regions:
- Best Hotel Bar
- Best Restaurant Bar
- Best New Cocktail Bar
- Best Bar Team
- Best High Volume Cocktail Bar
About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
The Foundation is a non-profit organization which is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make lasting impact in communities that host our events.
Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail® has grown from an annual walking tour of historic New Orleans cocktail bars, into the world’s premier cocktail festival. In addition, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation also produces Tales of the Cocktail® on Tour; supports the Cocktail Apprentice Program, an exclusive mentorship program for up-and-coming bartenders; manages the Tales 365 membership program; distributes industry focused grants; curates programming which addresses the serious issues our industry faces on a regular basis within its initiative Beyond the Bar; celebrates the The Dame Hall of Fame®, a collection of women who have made unique and lasting contributions to the global hospitality industry; and publishes bartender-focused educational content year-round on TalesoftheCocktail.org.
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (MEA)
The number of nominations continues to increase annually but remains an emerging scene for cocktail culture.
Best High Volume Cocktail Bar – MEA
| Buddha-Bar – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Central Station Boutique Bar – Beirut, Lebanon |
| Front/Back – Accra, Ghana |
| Iris – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Miss Lily’s at the Sheraton Grand Hotel – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Mr. Miyagis – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| The Royale – Randburg, South Africa |
| Soho Garden – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Weslodge Saloon at the JW Marriott Marquis – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Zero Gravity – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Best Restaurant Bar – MEA
| BB Social Dining – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Brian Lara Rum Eatery – Randburg, South Africa |
| COYA – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Ferdinand – Beirut, Lebanon |
| Folly by Nick & Scott – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Kloof Street House – Cape Town, South Africa |
| La Petit Maison – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Masti – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Nola Eatery & Social House – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Zuma Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Best Hotel Bar – MEA
| Bar ThreeSixty at the Le Gray Beirut – Beirut, Lebanon |
| Churchill Club at the Four Seasons – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Gold On 27 at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| GiGi Rooftop at the Gorgeous George Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa |
| Hendricks Bar at Four Seasons – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| IMPERIAL at The Imperial Hotel |
| The Penthouse at The Penthouse Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Amethyste Bar & Lounge at Phoenicia Hotel – Beirut, Lebanon |
| Planet Bar in the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – Capetown, South Africa |
| Radisson Blu at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel – Lagos, Nigeria |
| Skyview Bar & Restaurant at the Burj Al Arab – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Best New Cocktail Bar – MEA
| Electric Bing Sutt – Beirut, Lebanon |
| HOOCH Boutique & Drinkery at The Phoenicia – Beirut, Lebanon |
| Laurel Bar – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Mama Zonia – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Seven Sisters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Best Bar Team – MEA
| La Otra |
| Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen – Cape Town, South Africa |
| Central Station – Beirut, Lebanon |
| The House of Machines – Cape Town, South Africa |
| Imperial |
| Lost+Found Drinkery – Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Miss Lily’s at the Sheraton Grand Hotel – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Mootee – Johannesburg, South Africa* |
| Sin + Tax – Randburg, South Africa |
| Zuma – Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
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