Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-02
The global bar scene is heating up with major awards and openings this week, headlined by Alquímico winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of the World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony in Milan. Meanwhile, Manchester’s acclaimed Schofield’s Bar is set to open a London location in Covent Garden, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2026 winners have been announced in Glasgow.
Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-02
Top developments
Alquímico Takes Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award
Cartagena-based bar Alquímico was announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award on August 27, 2026. This award is a precursor to the main The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Milan. The recognition highlights the Colombian bar’s focus on guest experience and service standards.
Schofield’s Bar Expands to London
Schofield’s Bar, an award-winning cocktail venue from Manchester, has confirmed it will open a new location in London this winter. The team has secured a prime site in Covent Garden, marking a significant expansion for the brand which has been highly regarded in the UK regional scene.
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2026 Winners Announced
The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2026 winners were revealed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during a ceremony in Glasgow. The awards celebrate the top pubs, bars, and restaurants across Scotland, recognizing excellence in service, beverage programs, and hospitality within the region.
Australian Bar Awards Ticket Deadline Approaches
With just three weeks remaining until the 25th Annual Australian Bartender Australian Bar Awards, organizers have urged industry professionals to secure tickets. For the first time, the event is opening its doors to the wider hospitality industry beyond just bartenders, reflecting a broader scope for the awards held this September.
Local view
Latin America: Cocktail Weeks Drive Regional Tourism
In Buenos Aires, the BS AS Cocktail Week 2026 kicks off on Sunday, September 6, at the Parque de Innovación. Organized by the Argentine Chamber of Cocktail Bars (CABARCO), the event features eight invited bars, live DJ sets, and a cocktail competition under the theme "New generations, new mixology".
Simultaneously, Lima Cocktail Week is running through Saturday, September 5, uniting 50 bars across six districts in Lima. The initiative aims to showcase the diversity of Lima’s bar scene to both locals and tourists, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a cocktail destination.
Context & numbers
Industry Economics and Trends
The US bars and nightclubs industry has seen revenue grow at a CAGR of 2.8% over the five years leading up to 2026, reaching $38.6 billion. This growth is supported by stable alcohol consumption and demand for socialization among affluent customers.
However, the sector faces shifting consumer habits. A survey by Toast indicates that 40% of Americans aged 35-44 drink alcohol at least half of their restaurant visits, while broader trends show a rise in "sober-curious" behavior. Non-alcohol volumes are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of +9% between 2022 and 2026, forcing bars to adapt their offerings with more sophisticated NoLo (No/Low Alcohol) options.
Recent Closures
The hospitality sector continues to experience volatility with closures reported in major cities. In Glasgow, a notable steakhouse and cocktail bar is closing its doors this week as part of a nationwide shutdown by its parent company, highlighting the ongoing pressure on multi-site operators.
On the radar
- The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 Ceremony: The main ranking announcement will take place in Milan later this month, following the recent hospitality award wins.
- Australian Bar Awards: The 25th annual awards will be held in September; ticket sales for the expanded industry audience are ongoing.
- London Hospitality Landscape: With Schofield’s entering Covent Garden, watch for further competitive responses from established London cocktail venues.
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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