Visiting The World's Best Bars

(Image source: Dandelyan Bar)

Sam and I don't tend to splash out all that much when we go away - we stay at modest hotels, fly with budget airlines, and are more than happy to eat at street food stalls and markets. But there is one thing that we always like to indulge in while on holiday, and that's a really well made cocktail.

Because of that, we've found ourselves in some truly fantastic bars over the past couple of years, and at the start of 2018, we made it our mission to tick off the top 5 of the list of The World's 50 Best Bars. We'd already visited three out of five, and the other two were based in London, so on our trip back in March, we prioritised ticking them off the list (such a hard job I know!).

I thought it would be fun to put a little post together about my thoughts on each bar and whether I think they deserve the accolade of being one of the best bars in the world - enjoy!

American Bar, London

The American Bar is based inside The Savoy in London and is hands down my favourite bar in the world - good to see that the judges and I agree! I love everything about this place - it oozes old fashioned elegance and luxury, from the indulgent decor to the attentive service.

The cocktail menu is long and well thought out, but my favourite drink to enjoy here is an ice cold glass of champagne. This is the perfect place to enjoy a little bit of old London and feel very fancy in the process.

Dandelyan, London

Despite being based just across the river from the American Bar, Dandelyan couldn't have a more different vibe if it tried. Based within the Mondrian hotel, Dandelyan has a cracking view of St Pauls and a buzzy atmosphere that wouldn't be out of place in the trendier parts of London.

The drinks are great here, but for the prices they charge, I think the attention to detail and customer service is lacking slightly.

The Nomad, New York

Nothing makes me feel more like Carrie Bradshaw than enjoying a fancy cocktail in a hotel bar in New York, so The Nomad was always a no brainer for me! This place feels more special than anywhere else I've drank in the city thanks to the combination of plush interiors, attentive service and inventive drinks.

This is the perfect place to finish an evening out in the Flat Iron district - although be warned, it's almost impossible to stay for just one drink.

Connaught Bar, London

The Connaught Bar is probably the fanciest of all the bars on the list - this is a place you want to be dressed up for! I have to admit that I found it slightly stuffy, but there's no denying that the drinks are fantastic. Plus, if you're a fan of martinis, this is the bar for you - just call over the trolley and they'll create you a bespoke martini at your table.

The Dead Rabbit, New York 

The Dead Rabbit holds a special place in my heart as we had a great time there back in 2015 celebrating our engagement with a friend. Set in Manhattan's Financial District, this bar is the place to come when you want to have a really great time - the atmosphere is lively, the bartenders are friendly and the drinks are strong!

Be warned though - only order the flagon of grog if you're prepared for the rest of your day to be written off...

Have you visited any of the bars on this list?