It was a great night for Artesian at the Langham hotel. The bar picked up World's Best Hotel Bar and its bartender Alex Kratena received the International Bartender of the Year accolade.
Winners are chosen by a process of nominations which are then judged by two panels - one US and one international. Judges cannot vote in categories in which they are nominated and they must report and solicitations to the board. You can read more about the judging process here.
The 2012 winners are:
London
International Bartender of the Year
Alex Kratena
World’s Best Hotel Bar
Artesian at The Langham hotel, London
World’s Best Cocktail Bar
The Connaught Bar, London
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Callooh Callay, London
World’s Best New Cocktail Bar
Zetter Townhouse bar, London
World’s Best Drinks Selection
Salvatore at Playboy Club, London
International
Best International Brand Ambassador
Angus Winchester (Tanqueray)
Best Bar Mentor
Steve Olson
Best High Volume Cocktail Bar
Eastern Standard – Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Best Cocktail Writing – Author
Gary Regan
Best Cocktail Writing – Non Book
Liquor.com
Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
PDT Cocktail Book
Best New Product
Cognac Pierre Ferrand 1840 Formula
Best Restaurant Bar
Slanted Door – San Francisco, California
American Bartender of the Year
Joaquin Simo
Best American Brand Ambassador
Jim Ryan
Best American Cocktail Bar
The Varnish – Los Angeles, California
Helen David Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award
Gary Regan
