SECOND BAR FROM INDIA, AFTER AER, TO BE ON THE LIST
New Delhi based Sidecar has been awarded 40th place in the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list. An extension of the World’s 50 Best Bars Awards, the Asia chapter began in 2016 and since then only one other Indian bar has ever made it to the list, AER-Bar & Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai no. 37 in 2017.
The 2020 edition of the Awards was unveiled over a virtual awards ceremony on 14th May. An otherwise glitz and glam affair that takes place in Singapore was over in about an hour online while the virtual celebrations continued afterwards.
Sidecar is undoubtedly one of the best bars in the country offering a piece of timeless classic experience to the patrons. Brainchild of renowned bartender and award-winning mixologist, Yangdup Lama, and Consultant and Beverage marketing expert Minakshi Singh, Sidecar is an artisanal cocktail bar that oozes warmth and coziness while blending class with innovation perfectly.
Post the announcement, an ecstatic Lama shared, “I have always felt wonderful being behind bars, stirring a cocktail or two, striking a conversation and listening to some great stories that people have to share from far and near. The journey has only gotten better over the years and today comes as a special day. Sidecar, our second bar (after Cocktails & Dreams, Speakeasy) was awarded the 40th place in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. A big thank you to the bartending fraternity in India and overseas. Our patrons over the years at both bars that have been our strongest strength. Congratulations to our team at both Sidecar and C&D Speakeasy that has spread the love through delectable drinks and impeccable service. Last but not the least my partner in crime Minakshi Singh who never fails to keep us in high spirits through her passion and energy.”
The fifth edition of the annual ranking also saw Singapore’s Jigger & Pony clinch the No.1 spot, earning the titles of ‘The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Perrier’, and ‘The Best Bar in Singapore’. Co-founded by Gan Guoyi and Indra Kantono, Jigger & Pony is a bar concept that specialises in thoughtful re-imaginations of classic drinks. Innovative cocktails such as Mango Hazelnut Daiquiri and Mineral Vodka Soda feature alongside signatures such as its Ramos Gin Fizz. It first debuted on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2016, and was ranked No.9 last year, winning the Highest Climber Award after rising 33 places in the list.
The 2020 list features 10 countries in Asia, with Greater China leading the list with 12 bars and two new entries. Other countries on the list also include Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and India.
50 Best decided to proceed with publishing the 2020 list after consultation with the industry, in order to provide recognition to the bars and help promote positivity during the current crisis.
TOP 10 BARS FROM ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS 2020
1) Jigger & Pony, Singapore
2) The Old Man, Hong Kong
3) Coa, Hong Kong
4) Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei
5) Atlas, Singapore
6) Native, Singapore
7) The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
8) Manhattan, Singapore
9) The SG Club, Tokyo
10) Aha Saloon, Taipei
Watch the virtual event here.
Choose your alcohol wisely because what you drink says who you are! 
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