Mirror Bar named the 25th Best Bar in the World!
On October 8 2025, the city of Hong Kong hosted the 17th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars – the world’s most prestigious bar ranking celebrating the venues shaping today’s cocktail culture, hospitality, and innovation.
What is The World’s 50 Best Bars?
The ranking was first created in 2009 under the 50 Best brand, also known for its restaurant list. Its mission is to recognize bar culture as equal to gastronomy – built on creativity, craftsmanship, hospitality, and the ability to deliver unforgettable guest experiences.
How does voting work?
The results are decided by more than 800 experts worldwide – bartenders, owners, journalists, and drinks specialists. Each votes for venues they have personally visited and believe best represent quality and innovation. The process is anonymous, audited by Deloitte, and trusted for its transparency.
17th edition in Hong Kong
This year’s ceremony took place at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, overlooking Victoria Harbour. The celebration included the traditional Bartenders’ Feast and culminated in a live countdown from No. 50 all the way to the ultimate winner. As part of the ceremony, the extended list of bars ranked 51st–100th was also revealed.
Slovak sensation: Mirror Bar
The highlight for Slovakia came when Mirror Bar, located inside the Carlton Hotel in Bratislava, was announced at No. 25. This marks the highest-ever position for a Slovak bar and the first time a venue from the country has broken into the world’s elite.
Mirror Bar also received the special Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, presented to the newcomer entering the list at the highest position.
Winner and global trends
The title of World’s Best Bar 2025 went to Bar Leone from Hong Kong, a venue recognized for embodying the best of hospitality, creativity, and innovation. The Top 10 featured bars from Mexico City, Barcelona, London, Milan, Athens, Singapore and Buenos Aires, highlighting the increasingly global reach of cocktail culture. See the full list below or via this link here.
What this means for Slovakia
Mirror Bar’s success proves that the Slovak bar scene can compete with the world’s finest. It’s also an inspiring message to young bartenders: with passion, precision, and storytelling, even a bar in Bratislava can stand shoulder to shoulder with the icons of mixology.
