Lima’s Lady Bee wins Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award

Lima’s Lady Bee has been crowned the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, the first of the special gongs to be revealed ahead of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list.

The award shines a spotlight on the people side of bars and is voted on by more than 800 anonymous industry experts from the 50 Best Bars Academy. Each nominates the bar where they’ve received the warmest, most memorable hospitality in the past 18 months.

Lady Bee will officially collect the award at a live ceremony in Hong Kong on Wednesday 8 October 2025.

Founded in 2021 by bartenders Alejandra León and Alonso Palomino alongside chef Gabriela León, Lady Bee was created to give Lima’s cocktail culture the same global recognition as its dining scene. The trio has made sustainability and storytelling central to the experience, sourcing ingredients from the Amazon, Andes and Pacific, working closely with local producers and embracing a zero-waste philosophy.

Now based in the colourful Barranco neighbourhood, the bar’s blend of cocktails, food and hospitality has made it one of the world’s most talked-about venues. Its design follows the same ethos: a honeybee motif runs throughout, with locally crafted décor and materials creating a warm, intimate space where, yes, the drinks shine – but the welcome shines brighter.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, said: “In just a short time, Lady Bee has carved out a reputation as one of the world’s most beloved bars, being named Campari One To Watch on its debut at No.52 in 2023 and rising to No.16 in 2024.

“Alongside their exceptional drinks offering, Alonso and Gabriela have created an effortlessly warm space where all are welcome to discover the wonders of Peruvian culture and ingredients. This recognition is a testament to the team’s passion and dedication, and we offer our sincere congratulations to everyone at Lady Bee for this well-earned honour.”

Co-founders and owners Alejandra, Alonso and Gabriela said: “Gastronomy is a great tool to convey different messages. Pollination, our latest cocktail menu, represents a very personal journey, the Bee travelling through the Amazonian, Andean and Coastal forests, just as we have in these years of our own exploration and identity.

‘For us, it is important to tell stories about our diversity, geography and the richness of our ecosystems and we strive to celebrate the people who are dedicated to every ingredient. Receiving the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award fills us with joy and excitement and is a recognition for the whole team, for the people who, throughout this time, have contributed with their generosity.”

Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s Distillery, added: “Congratulations to Alonso Palomino, Gabriela León, Alejandra León and the entire team at Lady Bee on winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. It is a testament to how highly their peers value their welcoming atmosphere and Peruvian ingredient-based creative approach.”