Singapore's Jigger & Pony named Asia's top bar as COVID-19 casts shadow on bar industry

The team at Singapore's Jigger & Pony, named the top bar in Asia of 2020 by Asia's 50 Best Bars, an industry bar ranking. (Photo: Asia's 50 Best Bars)
The team at Singapore's Jigger & Pony, named the top bar in Asia of 2020 by Asia's 50 Best Bars, an industry bar ranking. (Photo: Asia's 50 Best Bars)

SINGAPORE — Asia’s bar industry gave recognition to the top watering holes in the region even as business reeled from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with Singapore’s Jigger & Pony clinching top spot.

The fifth edition of the annual Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking was announced yesterday (14 May) in a virtual countdown which was streamed online. The ceremony was originally planned to take place in Singapore at Capitol Theatre, but lockdown prohibitions against large gatherings made organisers change plans.

The 2020 ranking spanned bars from Asian countries including China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. See the full list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars below.

Jigger & Pony at Amara Hotel was named the Best Bar in Asia and the Best Bar in Singapore, after being ranked at No. 9 in Asia last year. The bar specialises in thoughtful reimaginations of classic drinks. Innovative cocktails such as Mango Hazelnut Daiquiri and Mineral Vodka Soda feature alongside signatures such as its Ramos Gin Fizz.

Mark Sansom, content editor of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, said, “Today’s announcement was less of a celebration, and rather a form of recognition and an expression of solidarity across the bar-loving world. The coming months may indeed be some of the toughest we’ve experienced, both personally and professionally, as we prepare for an unknown future. But today, we stand with Asia. Stay healthy, stay safe, stay strong, and together, we will overcome this.”

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list

1) Jigger & Pony, Singapore

2) The Old Man, Hong Kong, China

3) Coa, Hong Kong, China

4) Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei, Taiwan

5) Atlas, Singapore

6) Native, Singapore

7) The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand

8) Manhattan, Singapore

9) The SG Club, Tokyo, Japan

10) Aha Saloon, Taipei, Taiwan

11) Vesper, Bangkok, Thailand

12) Sober Company, Shanghai, China

13) Bar Mood, Taipei, Taiwan

14) Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

15) Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan

16) Quinary, Hong Kong, China

17) Tippling Club, Singapore

18) The Wise King, Hong Kong, China

19) Speak Low, Shanghai, China

20) High Five, Tokyo, Japan

21) Bee’s Knees, Kyoto, Japan

22) The Old Man, Singapore

23) D.Bespoke, Singapore

24) Tropic City, Bangkok, Thailand

25) Gibson, Singapore

26) Draft Land, Taipei, Taiwan

27) Room by Le Kief, Taipei, Taiwan

28) 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong, China

29) Charles H, Seoul, South Korea

30) 28 HongKong Street, Singapore

31) Rabbit Hole, Bangkok, Thailand

32) Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore

33) Backstage Cocktail Bar, Bangkok, Thailand

34) Caprice Bar, Hong Kong, China

35) The Pontiac, Hong Kong, China

36) Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou, China

37) Junglebird, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

38) The Odd Couple, Shanghai, China

39) Bar Trench, Tokyo, Japan

40) Sidecar, New Delhi, India

41) Bar Orchard Ginza, Tokyo, Japan

42) The Curator, Manila, Philippines

43) Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar, Jakarta, Indonesia

44) Lobster Bar & Grill, Hong Kong, China

45) The Back Room, Manila, Philippines

46) MO Bar, Singapore

47) Alice, Seoul, South Korea

48) Coley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

49) Le Chamber, Seoul, South Korea

50) Bar Cham, Seoul, South Korea