SINGAPORE — We know we have a thriving bar scene — not to mention some of the best bartenders in the region.

But some may be pleasantly surprised to learn of Singapore’s latest claim to fame: Topping the inaugural Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, which was revealed last night (March 31).

At pole position? 28 Hong Kong Street. Its creative director Joe Alessandroni attributed 28 Hong Kong Street’s success to that fact that “we stay focused on the people”. “We believe great hospitality extends beyond our guests to include how we treat our staff, partners, suppliers and industry peers,” he said. “We really strive to give the staff tools and support to become better craftsman and professionals.”

Eight other Singapore bars also made the cut, with three of them making it into the top 10: Regent Singapore’s Manhattan Bar came in at No 5, Operation Dagger at No 7 and Jigger & Pony at No 8.

“Jigger & Pony has been one of the pioneers of the cocktail scene in Singapore since its opening in 2012, and over the years have been known for its hospitality and consistency,” said its co-founder Indra Kantono, who is also behind Gibson Cocktail Bar (which took the No 22 spot), and Sugar Hall (No 48).

He also felt that it was Jigger & Pony’s hospitality and consistency that helped it get this far. “Guests can always find talented and earnest bartenders behind the stick, all of whom are cheerfully delivering hospitality.”

But Kantono was also not too surprised by the overall results. “Singapore has certainly made its way to the forefront of the Asia’s bar scene, and keen observers would not be surprised by the results,” he said, adding that the fact that we have “bars with varying styles that have attracted the best talents from all corners of the globe”, as well as a tight-knit bartending community “that supports one another and pushes each other forward” and an “enthusiastic and sophisticated consumer base” were determining factors.

Alessandroni had similar thoughts. “We celebrate the achievements of our peers and colleagues, look for opportunities to collaborate with likeminded folks, and treat visiting industry guests like extended family,” he shared. “There is an amazing sense of mutual support, openness and positivity here that does not exist in other parts of the world.”

He added: “I think the next big thing in Singapore will be venues that offer quality F&B, authenticity and warmth while moving away from ‘luxury’.”

Notably, Tippling Club is also the only restaurant-bar from Singapore to make the list. Led by chef-owner Ryan Clift, the placing reinforces its position as one of Singapore’s premier dining destinations that consistently provides inventive food and drink offerings.

“Coming up with equally exciting and avant garde cocktails that can stand on their own and also be paired with our dishes has been our goal since Tippling Club’s inception, eight years ago,” said Clift. “It was a team effort, from the bar team to the front of house. We’ve also just welcomed our new head bartender (Joe Schofield, former barman at London’s prestigious The Savoy) and we’re already setting our sights for a higher ranking next year,” he added, saying that they were working on new concepts for the bar.

The nine Singapore bars in the list are: 28 Hong Kong Street (No 1), Manhattan Bar (No 5), Operation Dagger (No 7), Jigger & Pony (No 8), Tippling Club (No 12), D.Bespoke (No 13), Gibson Cocktail Bar (No 22), Antidote (No 43) and Sugar Hall (No 48) .

Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards is the first regional list from the internationally renowned World’s 50 Best Bars Awards. It includes bars from 12 cities in 10 countries with restaurant bars, speakeasies, hotel bars, and tiki-themed venues all contributing to the diverse list.