DRINKING GUIDE
Australia is continuing to earn its place on the world stage with the arrival of the new bar judging platform, the Pinnacle Guide. The team behind London Cocktail week launched the guide as a new recognition system for cocktail bars from across the globe. “It uses a 1, 2 and 3 PIN award system. This new system will award unlimited PINs to bars, creating no barriers for truly exceptional venues to achieve a rating,” says co-founder Siobhan Payne. This means rather than a specific number of bars being on the list, the length of the list will be dictated by the calibre of entrants. To enter, bars self-nominate through an in-depth form, which will allow venues from the smallest neighbourhood cocktail dens through to grand hotel lounges to have a crack at making it into the guide. “The successful application then results in a series of anonymous reviews, as well as recognising excellence in drinks, ambience and hospitality,” says Payne.
The guide is coming to Australia to recognise the thriving cocktail and drinks scene, which the Pinnacle team has had its eye on. “The calibre of cocktail bars in Australia has made a huge impression on the global industry, so of course, we wanted to include Australia from the start,” says co-founder Hannah Sharman-Cox.
While the experience of the bar will be at the Pinnacle Guide’s forefront, sustainability and how bars care for staff will also be considered; alongside finding out what the bar is really trying to achieve. “The self-nomination process allows a venue to showcase, and be rewarded for, what it is they are most proud of, and allows them to explain their systems and processes that truly make their bar top tier, before an anonymous in-person review,” says co-founder, Dan Dove. “We believe that by requesting a clear demonstration of concept before an anonymous reviewer steps foot in the door it allows all bars to showcase their own excellence and recognise cocktail bars of all sizes and styles, while minimising subjectivity.”
When it comes to what the team is looking for, it’s really down to the magic of creating an excellent drinking experience for the punter, resulting in a list of guaranteed good times. “It’s that heady blend of all things coming together seamlessly. The music, the lighting, the warm welcome, the knowledgeable staff, the comfortable seating – and of course – the delicious cocktails. Why can’t we have it all,” says Payne.
Applications for the Pinnacle Guide are now open, with the winners set to be announced in early 2024. thepinnacleguide.com