Two Australian bars named in World’s top 50

Black Pearl and The Baxter Inn both triumphed in the World’s 50 Best Bar Awards 2017 in London on Thursday, ranking 22^nd and 45^th respectively.

Black Pearl in Melbourne also reclaimed its title as Best Bar in Australasia. After three years without the title, the bar has returned to the top position and has further established itself as one of the best drinking spots on the continent.

The Fitzroy bar has remained a regular in the top half of the global rankings and was also named Legend of the List after being in The 50 Best Bar rankings since the awards began nine years ago. Having opened 16 years ago, it has long been the training ground for some of Australia’s most recognised bartenders.

The renowned Sydney fine drinking establishment The Baxter Inn also returns to the list, and is ranked at No. 45. The brainchild of Anton Forte and Jason Scott, the bar holds a whiskey library of over 630 rare and unusual bottles.

For the first time, American Bar at The Savoy was crowned The World’s Best Bar and Best Bar in Europe, taking the title from the 2016 No.1 The Dead Rabbit in New York.

While London leads the city rankings, North America is home to the most bars on the list, led by The NoMad at NoMad Hotel taking home the award for Best Bar in North America.

The World’s 50 Bars were announced at a live ceremony in London’s Southwark Cathedral. Representatives from the world’s leading bars flew into London to attend the awards, along with internationally renowned industry figures, media and celebrity supporters.

The ranking is created by the votes of an academy of industry experts with over 500 members from 55 countries taking part.