With a vision to spotlight the best of Asian mixology, BARSTARS, an experiential bar showcase platform, is organising a two-day event in London featuring 12 of Asia’s top mixologists from eight countries following their tour in Berlin, with Madrid next in line. Presented by The Orientalist Spirits, a Singapore-based ultra-premium spirits brand, the mixologists will take over London’s finest bars on October 16, before pairing up at ABar Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair on the 17th for different shifts during the night. They will skillfully craft exceptional cocktails using innovative techniques for Londoners to enjoy.
While venues definitely give drinkers a special experience, BARSTARS believes that mixologists should be at the heart of the bar and beverage sector—it’s their art, after all, no? As a first-time event in London, this celebration is the largest of its kind so far, drawing attention to talent and innovation from Asia’s hospitality scene. Don’t miss it!
Day 1: The Takeover
Coming from eight different Asian countries, each mixologist will grace one of London’s prestigious bars and restaurants, preparing exquisite cocktails that showcase their unique styles and techniques.
Holly Graham at Kwãnt
Holly Graham, the creative force behind Tokyo Confidential (ranked 53rd in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), is known for her imaginative cocktail creations and flair for presentation. At Kwãnt on 16 October, the esteemed bar curated by industry legend Erik Lorincz, Holly will mesmerise visitors with her artistic approach to mixology.
Having spent ten years in Hong Kong as a drink-focused writer and editor, Holly accumulated extensive experience and a keen eye for cocktails before opening her own bar in Tokyo. Given her exceptional talent, Graham is currently #19 on Bar World 100—a list of the bar’s industry most influential figures and simultaneously works as the Managing Editor at DRINKS Magazine Asia. To learn more about Asian cocktail recipes, stories, and history, read her book Cocktails of Asia.
Millie Tang at Sexy Fish
A multi-award-winning Asian-Australian bartender, Millie Tang travels extensively, competing in and judging cocktail competitions, while also attending top global industry and brand events thanks to her amazing skills in mixology. On 16 October, she will take over Sexy Fish in Mayfair—a stylish venue celebrated for its lively atmosphere and exquisite seafood menu.
Jon Lee at Coya
John Lee is the founder and head bartender of Penrose, a five-star cocktail bar in Kuala Lumpur which has been ranked as the eighth best Asian bar in 2024 given his remarkable talent. Taking place at Coya, a Peruvian restaurant in Mayfair, you’ll savour some of Lee’s finest cocktails.
Peter Chua at Hakkasan
A resident “Bird Watcher” at Night Hawk in Singapore, Peter Chua is renowned for his out-of-the-box ideas and creative storytelling through cocktails. Chua believes open communication can unite and elevate the Asian bar community. Join him as he takes over Hakkasan, a Modern Cantonese restaurant that earned a Michelin star within its first year of opening.
Yao Lu at The Phoenix Bar Tattu
As the founder of the Union Trading Company Bar in China, Yao Lu is no stranger to the spotlight—his bar has made its way into Asia’s 50 Best Bars list six times! He’ll be flexing his mixology skills at The Phoenix Bar Tattu and offering a taste of the innovative cocktails that have earned him such acclaim.
Noah Kwon at Three Sheets
Recognised as the second-best Asian bar in 2024 and the 18th in 2023 by the World’s 50 Best Bars, Noah Kwon is a standout talent from Bar Zest. You definitely don’t want to miss him showcasing his craft at Three Sheets’ new Manette Street venue.
Lopsang Galchen at SOMA
As the 2019 bartender of the year for the National Restaurant Association of India, Glachen also serves as the bar manager at Sidecar India—ranked #26 in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, and #18 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. On the 16th, he’ll be at SOMA, a minimalistic bar in Soho preparing top notch drinks for visitors to enjoy.
Yukino Sato at Roka
Hailing from Folklore Mixology & Terroir in Japan, best known for their sakes and shochu cocktails, Yukino Sato works as their bar manager. She’ll be at Roka, acclaimed for its robatayaki cooking and lively atmosphere.
Chunyanuch “Ning” Yodsuwan at Blue Bar
Chunyanuch “Ning” Yodsuwan, from the acclaimed BKK Social Club in Thailand (ranked 7th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), will host an exclusive takeover at Blue Bar in Knightsbridge. With its elegant setting, Blue Bar provides a sophisticated environment for Ning’s innovative cocktail creations. We are excited about this one!
Agung Prabowo at The Aubrey
With a bartending career spanning two decades, Agung Prabowo from Penicillin in Hong Kong (ranked 24th on the 2024 list), will take charge at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. This stylish venue will serve as the ideal stage for Agung’s top mixology skills which have earned him remarkable achievements like winning the International Bartender Competition, representing Hong Kong.
Lola Lau at Hutong
Lola Lau, the 2023 Margarita Challenge Global Champion from Hope And Sesame in China, will be at Hutong in the Shard. With stunning views of London and authentic Northern Chinese cuisine, the venue is just right for Lola’s creative flair.
Treyna Zhang at COMO Metropolitan
Treyna Zhang, representing CODA in Singapore, will host an intimate tasting at COMO Metropolitan London. This special event will have The Orientalist Spirits founder Michel Lu and renowned London bartender Will Meredith joining, providing a unique experience for attendees.
Day 2: A Night at ABar Lounge
On October 17th, the celebration will continue with ALL the mixologists gathering at ABar Lounge in Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, pairing up for dedicated slots throughout the evening. Starting at 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Every hour will feature two mixologists showcasing their art and craft with signature Asian concoctions made with The Orientalist Spirits. Londoners will surely be in awe after experiencing the creativity of Asia’s leading cocktail and hospitality scene bartenders.
Influenced by the element of fire, ABar Lounge’s contemporary decor features a striking bronze metallic ceiling and has an enticing atmosphere with DJs playing from Wednesdays to Saturdays. To complement the cocktails, the bar serves bite-sized dishes inspired by chef Akira Back’s Korean heritage. Their cocktail menu draws on the rich diversity of local ingredients, beverage rituals, and cultural nuances found across Asia, making them the ideal venue for showcasing all these standout talents from the region.
The Orientalist Spirits
A pioneer in pan-Asian craft spirits, The Orientalist Spirits was founded by food and beverage entrepreneur Michel Lu, offering a range of ultra-premium spirits. To ensure the highest quality, the company sources its ingredients from various regions in Asia. Given their focus on a niche target market—those who appreciate artisanal Asian spirits—they have established themselves as a top choice among discerning customers due to the products’ exclusive quality.
What about the rest of the world?
London is packed full of exciting takeovers and events with London Cocktail Week also in full swing. Viajante87 hosted an opening party with Passing Fancies bar from Birmingham and Rita bar from Milan. A favourite was Doctor Wu with tequila, celery & wasabi syrup, Mastiha, fino sherry and lemon. The team at Viajante87 have created a world-class bar that is also so accessible and friendly. Their bar food is also next level with the freshest guacamole and moreish salmon crispy rice sushi.
Across London, Bar Antoine hosted Champagne Bar at The Surf Club from Florida with created a list of signature cocktails in conjunction with Altamura and Perrier. To top it all off, Side Hustle at NoMad London hosted Agave A Go Go, with Limantour (Mexico City), Leyenda (Brooklyn), and Candelaria (Paris). A real celebration of all things agave and great party vibes.
Reservations for the BARSTARS experiences can be made here.
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All imagery courtesy of BESTBARS.