Connaught Bar takes UK crown at Europe's 50 Best Bars Connaught Bar in London has been named Best Bar in the UK at Europe's 50 Best Bars 2026, held in Amsterdam on June 30. The award was sponsored by Monkey Shoulder, which holds the title of Official Scotch Whisky Partner of The World's 50 Best Bars in a two-year global partnership. The Connaught also ranked No. 10 overall in Europe's 50 Best Bars list. Led by Ago Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani, the hotel bar features design by the late David Collins, with silver leaf walls, mirrored surfaces and Cubist-inspired detailing.

Cocktail menu showcases Monkey Shoulder Among the Connaught's offerings during the celebration was RUBRA, made with Monkey Shoulder, geranium-infused hazelnut oil, homemade popped rice syrup, Sauternes, Amaro Santoni and cardamom bitters—delivering spice, subtle floral notes and a bittersweet finish. During the Amsterdam event, Monkey Shoulder activated across multiple venues. The brand served a curated cocktail lineup created by bartenders Joop van Diest of Shakerato, Nick Vrielink of Fitz's Bar and Giulia Cuccurullo of The Artisian London. Their serves included Joop's Matcha Yuzu (Monkey Shoulder, matcha, yuzu, vanilla and soda), Nick's BSB Old Fashioned (with air-distilled Irish dry stout hydrolate, barley malt and toasted rye bread), and Giulia's Fig Leaves & Labdanum (Monkey Shoulder with labdanum, aloe and Three Cents Fig Leaves Soda). At the Bartenders' Feast, Door 74 presented the Ginger Snap (Monkey Shoulder, lemon & ginger sherbet and mint), while LuminAir's closing party featured the Bitter Brunch (Monkey Shoulder, Rémy Martin VSOP, Mancino Vermouth Kopi and orange & thyme cordial).

Bar takeovers and after-party celebrations Monkey Shoulder organized two bar takeovers during the 50 Best Bars Europe program. Rome-based bartenders Patrick Pistolesi and Federico Daniele of Drink Kong and Siria Nicoletti and Luca Broccoli of Jerry Thomas Speakeasy took over Tailor Bar in Hotel Krasnapolsky, followed by London-based bartenders Enrico Perri and Andrea Costa of 45 Park Lane taking over Bar TwentySeven for an Old Fashioned-themed event. The brand also hosted an after-party at Nido Cocktail Bar with a dedicated cocktail menu featuring My Daily Monkey (coffee-infused Monkey Shoulder with charred orange husk Pedro Ximénez) and Mon Sherry (Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky with Oloroso, Marsala, red apple and chestnut soda).

Partner perspective Joe Petch, Global Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder, said: "The World's 50 Best Bars partnership gives Monkey Shoulder a powerful platform to celebrate bar excellence and support the bartenders driving culture forward across the globe - the people and places that truly inspire our brand."

Why It Matters

For bartenders and venue operators, the Europe's 50 Best Bars rankings serve as a competitive barometer and marketing tool. Connaught Bar's dual recognition—both as UK's best and in the top 10 overall—reinforces the venue's standing as a destination bar and validates its creative approach to cocktail development. Brand sponsorships of such events remain central to spirits companies' on-premise engagement strategies.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors