Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-14
Takuma Watanabe of Martiny’s has been named the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 winner, while Jameson announced its global cocktail competition champions. Meanwhile, the industry faces continued consolidation with major closures in the UK and US, contrasting with new high-profile openings like Death & Co.’s Seattle debut.
Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-14
Top developments
Takuma Watanabe named Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 winner
On September 11, 2026, The Spirits Business reported that Takuma Watanabe, co-founder of New York’s Martiny’s, has won the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026. This award recognizes peers who exemplify excellence and mentorship in the global bar community. Watanabe’s win highlights the continued influence of New York’s speakeasy-style venues in defining modern hospitality standards
Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series reveals 2026 global champions
Also reported on September 10, 2026, the Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series announced Eray Hakan Evcil, Lewis Kay, and PJ Renaud as the three global champions of its annual cocktail competition. These winners were selected from a pool of international entrants, showcasing diverse techniques and flavor profiles that reflect current trends in whiskey-based mixology
Death & Co. opens first Seattle location in Pioneer Square
Award-winning New York cocktail bar Death & Co. officially opened its first Seattle outpost in Pioneer Square on September 4, 2026. This expansion marks a significant entry for one of America’s most influential craft cocktail programs into the Pacific Northwest, joining a growing scene of high-end hospitality in the city
Major UK pub chain closes all remaining sites after 52 years
In a significant blow to the traditional pub sector, a major UK restaurant chain permanently closed all 106 of its remaining UK locations on September 10, 2026. The closure follows a period of financial difficulty and reflects broader challenges facing legacy hospitality brands in an evolving market
Local view
Japan: Suntory is currently hosting "SUNTORY THE FINALIST BAR Produced by THE BARTENDER AWARD," an event allowing the public to taste and vote on cocktails created by the eight finalists of the Suntory The Bartender Award 2026. The event, promoted via PR Times on September 8, serves as a prelude to the final selection, engaging local consumers directly in the judging process
Peru: El Comercio highlighted the revitalization of Lima’s nightlife, noting new bars and experiences that are diversifying the city’s nocturnal offerings. The report emphasizes a shift toward creative, multi-format spaces that cater to varied demographics, signaling a robust post-pandemic recovery in Latin American bar culture
Spain: El Español featured Virtù, located on the 39th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, which recently re-entered Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. The article explores how the bar blends Parisian homage with Japanese precision, maintaining its status among international elite cocktail destinations
Context & numbers
The US bar industry continues to show resilience despite economic headwinds, with IBISWorld reporting that industry revenue grew at a CAGR of 2.8% over the five years to 2026, reaching $38.6 billion. However, operational pressures remain high; Gitnux data indicates that staff turnover hits bars with a 70% annual rate, though demand remains steady at 2.5 visits per month per US adult
On the radar
- Suntory Bartender Award Finale: The public voting period for the Suntory The Bartender Award finalists is ongoing, with the final winner expected to be announced shortly following the "Finalist Bar" events
- O’Charley’s Closures: Nashville-based chain O’Charley’s Restaurant & Bar has abruptly closed all 52 of its nationwide locations, a move that may signal further consolidation in the casual dining and bar hybrid sector
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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