Out of hundreds of applications, three Singapore bars have been recognised in the inaugural list of pinned bars in the prestigious The Pinnacle Guide.

Following the success of industry benchmarks from other industries, The Pinnacle Guide is a comprehensive rating guide for cocktail bars worldwide. It uses a familiar 1, 2, or 3-Pin classification system to distinguish bars for their quality and service. The guide aims to be the most wide-ranging, credible source of bar going inspiration for discerning drinkers.

Bars apply through the guide's website, www.thepinnacleguide.com. Establishments from other countries are encouraged to register their interest, influencing the guide's future expansion. The rating system consists of rigorous assessment modules, and a series of anonymous reviews.

The founders of The Pinnacle Guide are Siobhan Payne and Hannah Sharman-Cox, known for creating London Cocktail Week, and Dan Dove, founder of Global Bartending. The founders have emphasized fairness and transparency in their approach. This philosophy is reflected in the guide's diverse evaluation criteria, which go beyond just the quality of drinks. Factors such as atmosphere, customer satisfaction, sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness are all considered in the rating process. Assessment modules include front of house (processes, thoughtful touches), the drinks program (menu concept and coherence, ingredients, presentation), the venue look and feel (atmosphere, comfort, design), staff management (diversity, equity, inclusion), operations (efficiency, cleanliness, sustainability), and community (inclusiveness, responsible drinking).

The self-nomination procedure allows bars to highlight their unique attributes and operational excellence. The guide also aims to provide constructive feedback, encouraging bars to reflect on potential areas for improvement. This process is not just about awarding the best; it's about elevating the entire industry.

Applications for the inaugural list opened in November 2023 and hundreds of applications were received from seven markets, including the U.K., U.S., Australia, Dubai, Mexico, Singapore, and Spain. The three Singapore bars recognised are ATLAS (2 Pin), Origin Bar (2 Pin) and Ballroom by Barbary Coast (1 Pin).

The inaugural list has just been released, and is as follows:–

The assessment team comprises industry experts, renowned mixologists, and discerning bar enthusiasts, ensuring an unbiased and thorough review process. The Pinnacle Guide began with an extensive eighteen-month consultancy phase, incorporating feedback from hospitality industry leaders globally. This inclusive approach is pivotal to the guide's mission.

Finally, 1 pin will be awarded to 'Excellent', 2 pins to 'Outstanding' and 3 pins to 'Exceptional' cocktail bars.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible response to the first round of applications for The Pinnacle Guide," said co-founder, Dan Dove. “In revealing this first list, we have been able to realise our goal of celebrating the extraordinary range of cocktail bars the world has to offer - from tiny drinking dens to majestic hotel bars. We’re proud of our unique submissions process, which has allowed these deserving bars to shine - and we’re excited to shed light on many many more in the months and years to come.”  

 full list of the Pinn bars and descriptions, visit thepinnacleguide.com 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team