The Pinnacle Guide, a global ranking system for cocktail bars, has released its latest update, adding 46 new venues worldwide—18 of them in Europe. The guide, which launched in 2022, now features 191 bars across the globe, with a particular focus on Europe's vibrant cocktail scene.
Bars are evaluated through a rigorous process: they must nominate themselves, submit an application, and undergo anonymous spot checks by local reviewers. The assessment covers three key areas: the drinks programme, the look and feel of the venue, and its community engagement. A single pin denotes an "excellent" bar, two pins mean "outstanding," and three pins signify an "exceptional" establishment.
Currently, the Pinnacle Guide only accepts applications from seven European countries: France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This latest round saw only one new three-pin bar in Europe, five two-pin additions, and twelve one-pin venues.
Athens Takes the Crown
Greece's Line Athens has been awarded three pins, joining London's Lyaness as the only European bars to hold the highest distinction. Worldwide, only four bars have achieved this status. Reviewers praised Line Athens for its design, which preserves the building's original character as the former Zoumboulakis Art Gallery, and for its daily rotating DJ sets. The cocktail menu changes every two to three months, relying on seasonal fruits, botanicals, and fermentable materials sourced at peak ripeness.
For those planning a trip to the Greek capital, Line Athens is a must-visit. If you're looking for other European destinations to explore, check out our guide to eight European destinations to beat the summer crowds.
Five New Two-Pin Bars
Two of the five new two-pin bars are in the UK, with one each in Italy, France, and Switzerland.
In Italy's Bassano del Grappa, CuCù is a 12-seat micro bar housed in a former watchmaker's workshop. Each cocktail comes with a dedicated pastry pairing, and the 15-square-metre space is so intimate that guests who can't fit inside can order a takeaway cocktail.
Paris's De Vie is tucked inside an 1800s cave. The bar works with an off-site atelier to produce its own spirits, natural fruit wines, and sodas. When the atelier runs out of a particular liquid, the corresponding drink is removed from the menu, ensuring a constantly evolving selection.
In Montreux, Funky Claude's Bar draws inspiration from the city's famous jazz festival. Each cocktail is linked to a specific artist, moment, or instrument from the festival's history. Guests can scan a QR code on their drink to hear the corresponding track on Spotify.
Chester's tbc* is a basement bar that is entirely vegan, with homemade ginger beer and gin. The team minimises waste by using spent citrus to make lime cordial and turning reduced pineapple pulp into sweets.
London's The Emory Rooftop Bar rounds out the list, offering views of Hyde Park. The drinks menu was curated by Tato Giovannoni of Buenos Aires' Florería Atlántico, based on his favourite spots in the British capital.
One-Pin Additions Across Europe
The UK and Italy lead the one-pin category, with five and four new additions respectively. Greece, France, and Switzerland also gained new entries. The full list of new one-pin bars includes:
- Alto, Cervia, Italy
- American Bar at the Savoy, London, UK
- Barro Negro Athens, Athens, Greece
- Danico, Paris, France
- La Catedral Bar, Zürich, Switzerland
- Lowkey, Cardiff, UK
- SHUB, Sorrento, Italy
- Slowpour, Liverpool, UK
- Squisi, Vittorio Veneto, Italy
- St James Bar, London, UK
- Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie, Rome, Italy
- The Domino Club, Leeds, UK
For those interested in European cultural events, our mid-May cultural guide offers more inspiration.
