Behind every remarkable bar lies a visionary who transforms a simple cocktail into an unforgettable experience. The modern best bar owners are no longer just a host but a storyteller, an innovator, and a cultural architect shaping how we connect through drinks. Across the world, a new generation of passionate entrepreneurs is redefining hospitality, creating spaces where tradition meets creativity, and where every glass poured reflects a philosophy of care, community, and craft. These are the individuals changing the way we drink, one inspired idea at a time.
Best Bar Owners: The New Visionaries of Modern Hospitality
The past decade has seen a renaissance in the art of bar ownership. The best bar owners are visionaries who have replaced routine with ritual, building bars that reflect not only personal taste but also social consciousness. In cities like London, New York, and Singapore, these owners are reshaping expectations by blending design, storytelling, and sustainability into their venues. They focus as much on atmosphere and emotion as they do on flavor, inviting guests to engage all senses. For them, a bar is no longer just a place to drink; it is a stage where experience, education, and artistry collide.
Monica Berg and Alex Kratena The Power of Collaboration
At the heart of London’s East End, Tayēr + Elementary represents the future of cocktail culture. Founders Monica Berg and Alex Kratena have reimagined what a modern bar can be, a space that is as inclusive as it is innovative. Their philosophy revolves around community and transparency, sourcing ingredients responsibly and designing cocktails that evolve daily. The duo’s focus on sustainability and creativity has made their venue one of the most admired in the world. Their influence extends beyond London, inspiring bartenders globally to rethink how collaboration fuels excellence.
Julio Cabrera Preserving Cuban Spirit in Miami
In Miami, Julio Cabrera has built a bridge between heritage and modernity at his celebrated bar Café La Trova. A master of Cuban hospitality, Cabrera has revived the classic cantinero tradition, where precision, grace, and charm define every movement behind the bar. His dedication to storytelling through cocktails pays homage to Cuba’s golden age while introducing it to a new generation. Cabrera’s work demonstrates that innovation can coexist beautifully with nostalgia, proving that history still holds the power to inspire progress.
Agostino Perrone Elegance and Excellence in London
Few names carry the same weight in global mixology as Agostino Perrone, the creative mind behind The Connaught Bar in London. As one of the world’s best bar owners and leaders, his meticulous approach to detail and his ability to balance refinement with warmth has elevated the Martini into an art form. Under his guidance, The Connaught has become synonymous with quiet sophistication, blending impeccable service with an atmosphere that feels timeless. His philosophy reminds the world that true hospitality is not about spectacle but sincerity.
Lynette Marrero and Ivy Mix: Empowering a Global Community
The founders of Speed Rack, Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, have changed the landscape of the bar world through empowerment and advocacy. Both accomplished best bar owners and mentors, their international bartending competition celebrates women in mixology, shining a light on talent and diversity in an industry historically dominated by men. They have proven that leadership in hospitality can also drive social change. Their work has inspired a new wave of inclusive, supportive spaces where creativity thrives without boundaries.
Hiroyasu Kayama: The Japanese Master of Minimalism
At BenFiddich in Tokyo, Hiroyasu Kayama redefines simplicity as luxury. Working almost entirely with ingredients he grows himself, Kayama’s cocktails are a meditation on nature and balance. His bar feels more like an apothecary, where each drink is prepared with quiet precision and spiritual focus. By cultivating his own herbs and distilling his own spirits, he has reconnected the modern drinker with the earth. His minimalist philosophy reminds us that drinking can be an act of mindfulness as much as pleasure.
Julio Bermejo The Tequila Visionary of San Francisco
In San Francisco, Julio Bermejo has become a guardian of agave culture. At his legendary Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, he developed the now iconic Tommy’s Margarita, replacing triple sec with fresh lime and agave nectar. His commitment to education and authenticity has influenced countless bartenders and tequila enthusiasts worldwide. Bermejo’s work has elevated the perception of agave spirits from casual enjoyment to cultural appreciation, securing his place as one of the most respected figures in hospitality.
Redefining the Culture of Connection
What unites these remarkable individuals is not only mastery of craft but a shared belief in human connection. Each of them understands that the role of a bar extends beyond drinks; it is about creating moments that linger, conversations that matter, and experiences that inspire. From Tokyo to London, Havana to New York, today’s great bar owners remind us that drinking well is not about luxury alone but about presence, passion, and purpose.
To read more stories of influential distillers, best bar owners, and innovative mixologists, and to find the unique bars they’ve created, download the Barlist app today.
At Barlist, we live and breathe the art of spirits. Every bottle, every glass, every drop carries a story waiting to be told. With Barlist, we bring those stories to life- a place where flavours meet histories, and where true craftsmanship shines through tens of thousands of spirits and distilleries worldwide.
