Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-14
The global bar scene saw significant recognition this week, with Takuma Watanabe winning the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award and Jameson announcing its global competition champions. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector faced a major contraction as the UK pub chain All Bar One closed all 106 UK locations, and O’Charley’s abruptly shut down all US sites.
Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-14
Top developments
Takuma Watanabe Named Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 Winner
Takuma Watanabe, co-founder of the New York bar Martiny’s, was named the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026. This award highlights exceptional talent and leadership within the global bartending community. The recognition underscores the continued influence of New York-based bartenders on the international stage
Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series 2026 Announces Global Champions
Eray Hakan Evcil, Lewis Kay, and PJ Renaud were named the three global champions of Jameson Irish whiskey’s annual cocktail competition. The winners were selected through a rigorous series of regional and international challenges that test technical skill and creativity. These competitions remain key career accelerators for emerging bartenders worldwide
Death & Co. Opens First Seattle Location in Pioneer Square
Award-winning New York cocktail bar Death & Co. officially opened its first Seattle location in Pioneer Square on Thursday, September 3, 2026. This expansion marks a significant move for the influential brand into the Pacific Northwest market. The opening adds to the growing density of high-end cocktail destinations in Seattle
Major Hospitality Chains Face Mass Closures
The UK pub chain All Bar One permanently closed all 106 of its remaining UK restaurants on September 10, 2026, after 52 years of operation. In the US, Nashville-based chain O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar abruptly closed all 52 of its nationwide locations. These closures signal ongoing consolidation and economic pressure in the broader hospitality sector, impacting both casual dining and bar culture,
Local view
Japan: Suntory Launches Finalist Bar Event Suntory Holdings announced the "SUNTORY THE FINALIST BAR Produced by THE BARTENDER AWARD," an event running prior to the final of the 2026 bartender award. The event allows customers to taste cocktails from the eight finalists and vote for their favorites. This initiative engages local consumers directly in the talent selection process, highlighting Japan's structured approach to bartending development
Peru: Lima's Nightlife Renovation Local outlet El Comercio reported on the diverse new bars and experiences renovating Lima’s nightlife scene. The coverage highlights how the city is adapting its nocturnal offerings to cater to varied public tastes, with new spaces emphasizing creativity and surprise
Context & numbers
Industry Statistics and Trends Recent data highlights shifting consumer behaviors and economic realities in the bar industry. A survey by Toast indicates that 40% of Americans aged 35-44 drink alcohol during at least half of their restaurant visits. Additionally, the US Bars & Nightclubs industry has seen revenue grow at a CAGR of 2.8% over the five years to 2026, reaching $38.6 billion. However, staff turnover remains high at 70% annually, though demand remains steady with 2.5 visits per month per U.S. adult.
On the radar
- Suntory The Bartender Award Final: Following the finalist bar event, the final decision for Suntory's 2026 Bartender Award is upcoming, drawing attention to Japanese craft cocktail standards.
- Chicago Openings: Eater Chicago highlighted 12 new restaurant and bar openings for September 2026, indicating continued growth in specific US markets despite broader chain closures.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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