The award is voted for by the bartenders on this year’s list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, who are asked to name one peer who pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender.
Hailing from Scotland with the unofficial role of ambassador for Scottish hospitality, McPherson told DI: “It feels pretty surreal to have won. Just knowing other top bartenders think I deserve it is pretty flattering. I’m really happy not just for myself, but for the team because I couldn’t have done it without them so it’s a great feeling for all of us.”
McPherson has been recognised as an innovator, with his mission to expand the flavour spectrum through sub-zero experimentation. The latest Panda & Sons menu, Transcend, showcases his scientific creativity along with transparency to fuel cocktail innovation for others.
The award goes to an individual who made a significant impact in the global bar sector over the voting period and recognises their commitment to the international community in that time.
McPherson added: “I’ve always been curious of what makes a top bar fade away after that six or seven year mark. It’s about continuously improving in a positive way. I think the benefit of being a bar owner, but coming from a bartender's background, is I want to make the drinks delivery the best, I want to have the best things and focus on staff wellness and happiness.
“We want to keep developing as we think that’s going to help drive the industry forward. I think the gap between top bars and top restaurants is closing andI think having more and more of us sharing our knowledge and developing new techniques specifically for bars is going to be good,” McPherson continued.
The award is the second of two special awards to be announced ahead of the live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
