American Beckaly Franks is Bartenders’ Bartender

Over 800 of Asia’s elite bartenders and drinks industry experts gathered in Hong Kong on July 18 for the unveiling of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Brought to Hong Kong for the very first time by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with Asia’s 50 Best Bars, the awards celebrated the continued success of Asia’s thriving bar landscape, while also showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant bar scene to the region’s top bartending talent.

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This was Hong Kong's first-time playing host to Asia's Best 50 Best Bars 2023 (Photo: Business Wire)

Industry leaders from the Mainland, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and India gathered in Hong Kong for the award ceremony, where COA from Hong Kong retained the number one spot for a third consecutive year.

The 2023 awards reflect the diversity and inclusivity of Asia’s bar scene on its winners list, with Hong Kong’s Beckaly Franks of The Pontiac (no. 53) taking home the peer-voted Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. Franks hails from Oregon and has lived in Hong Kong for 15 years.

Jay Khan, owner of COA in Hong Kong, said: “Of the three number ones, this one means the most. Taking the top spot at Asia’s 50 Best Bars for the third year in a row feels surreal, and I could not be any more proud that it has happened in my hometown. I was born here, I grew up here, Hong Kong means everything to me. I’m very happy to represent Hong Kong. This award is testament to our incredible team, whose passion and hard work continues to not only push boundaries in the world of cocktails, especially as our homegrown bar scene, which champions creativity and diversity, continues to go from strength to strength.”

Mark Sansom, Content Director for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We are overjoyed to be in Hong Kong to celebrate Asia’s vibrant bar community for 50 Best’s first-ever event in this brilliant city for eating and drinking and we thank our destination partners at Hong Kong Tourism Board for helping to make it happen. Asia’s bars continue to push the envelope when it comes to fabulous drinking experiences and that is evident from the talent and creativity on display at the bars on this year’s list from 17 cities across the continent. Congratulations to Hong Kong and the team at COA for taking the No.1 spot as well as all of the bars on this year’s list.”

In addition to COA claiming the top spot, 8 Hong Kong bars made the 2023 list. Stalwarts Argo (no. 8), Darkside (no. 9), The Aubrey (no. 17), Penicillin (no. 26) and Quinary (no. 31), The Old Man (no. 47) returned to the list after a one-year absence, while newcomer Mostly Harmless (no. 33) made its list debut.

The arrival of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in Hong Kong reinforces the position of the city’s bar scene as one of the most exciting in the world. The backdrop of Hong Kong’s thriving cocktail culture contributed to the resounding success of the awards, as the event brought with it a week-long celebration of the region’s drinks landscape with citywide activations and bartender guest shifts by leading industry figures from internationally renowned bars across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. This year’s results also ensure Hong Kong’s globally recognized bar scene stays firmly in the spotlight, thanks to the city’s rich mix of traditional and progressive, envelope-pushing institutions that offer something for every taste and style all year round.

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