Big news for lovers of Irish cocktails with word that three bars were recently PINNED by The Pinnacle Guide, the global gold standard for cocktail culture.
This marks the first time that the Republic of Ireland has been recognised in The Pinnacle Guide, the international 1, 2 and 3 PIN system for the world’s best cocktail bars.
Perhaps unsurprisingly Dave Mulligan’s multi-award-winning BAR 1661 flies the flag in style for Dublin with the much coveted 2 PINs — an ‘Outstanding’ rating, making it one of just 18 new 2-PIN bars worldwide, and admitting it to the ranks of such revered establishments as Gentlemen 1919 in Paris and Vancouver’s Prophecy.
Also making the cut is The Sidecar at The Westbury, one of the city’s classiest joints, of which our restaurant critic Conor Stevens previously advised Totally Dublin readers, “It’s for special. Wear some adult shoes and run a comb through your hair”.
Alongside Killarney-based Pig’s Lane, The Sidecar was awarded 1 PIN for excellence, which begs a question. Of all the awards for all the bars in all the world, why does this one matter?
Well, it seems that The Pinnacle Guide judges everything from drinks, to hospitality, sustainability, and staff welfare, all backed up with anonymous global reviews from a network of industry enthusiasts and experts that lend it serious heft.
The cognoscenti tell us that the inclusion of three Irish bars in the Pinnacle Guide is a major nod to the country’s growing cocktail confidence, putting Irish bars from city innovators to hotel glamour and regional trailblazers firmly on the world’s cocktail stage.
Praise indeed – and we’re more than happy to drink to it!
Words: Martina Murray
Images: Al Higgins
