At the beginning of May 2026, Bratislava will once again secure its place on the map of the world’s most important bar and hospitality events. Mirror Hospitality Expo, the most prominent bar show in Central Europe, returns to the iconic Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel. In its fourth edition, the Expo will reaffirm its ambition to connect global excellence with local talent. The dates are set for 4–5 May 2026, accompanied by an extensive programme that goes far beyond the Expo itself.
World-Class Talent in the Heart of Europe
Mirror Hospitality Expo was founded and is curated by Stanislav Harciník, Peter Marcina and Adrián Chrzan, who have been developing the project in close collaboration with Bratislava’s Mirror Bar. Today, Mirror Bar ranks among the absolute global elite, currently holding 25th place in The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
In 2026, Bratislava will welcome more than thirty top bar professionals and projects from around the world. Confirmed names include:
- Eddie Rudzinskas (Cocktails For You, Irsko)
- Adrian Michalčík (About Contrasts, Oslo)
- Philip Bischop (BKK Social Club, Bangkok)
- Hampus Thunholm (Roda Huset, Stockholm)
- Lukas Kaufmann (28 Hong Kong Street, Singapur)
- Katalin Bene (Blend&Bond, Ženeva)
- Hyacinthe Lescoet (Cambridge Public House, Paříž)
- Minakshi Singh (Sidecar, Dillí)
- Agung & Laura Prabowo (Penicillin, Hong Kong)
Once again, the programme confirms that Mirror Hospitality Expo is not a regional showcase, but a fully-fledged global platform.
Education, Guest Shifts and a Cocktail City
Mirror Hospitality Expo has long since evolved beyond a two-day event. From 3 to 7 May 2026, Bratislava will transform into a “cocktail city” as part of Mirror Cocktail Week. Mirror Bar will host exclusive guest shifts by invited bartenders, offering the public a rare opportunity to experience world-class mixology straight from the hands of the best in the industry.
The Expo itself (4–5 May) will deliver an intensive programme of masterclasses, seminars and panel discussions focused on current trends, techniques and the future of hospitality. An integral part of the event is the popular Market – a global tasting fair showcasing leading local and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands. Curated tastings and signature cocktails reflect current global directions in quality, sustainability and innovation.
A major new addition for 2026 is the collaboration with the global educational platform The Cocktail Balance, which will host its own dedicated room at the Expo. The space will feature an in-depth programme of masterclasses focused on technical skills and the craft of professional bartending – a rare opportunity to learn from true masters of the field.
Gault&Millau: Gastronomy Takes Centre Stage
The 2026 edition also brings a significant gastronomic expansion. For the first time, Mirror Hospitality Expo will be closely connected with the international gastronomic guide Gault&Millau. The culinary section will feature top chefs, premium steaks and street food from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
Among the highlights is Roman Kóňa and his project Mäso od Romana, awarded POP of the Year 2025 by Gault&Millau. Several of the region’s leading chefs will also prepare tasting dinners for the public, paired with wines or cocktails. Already confirmed is Lukáš Heuser from restaurant Origin – named Chef of Tomorrow by Gault&Millau and a recipient of The Best Chef Awards.
Four Pillars, One Experience
Mirror Hospitality Expo 2026 remains true to its core values: connecting, educating, tasting and discovering. The limited capacity of the event ensures an intimate atmosphere and direct contact with speakers, bartenders and chefs of global calibre – one of the key reasons the Expo has earned such strong respect within the professional community.
Bartender’s Choice Awards: A Historic Moment for the Region
The final and highly symbolic highlight of the programme will be the official launch of the Bartender’s Choice Awards (BCA) for Central and Eastern Europe. This prestigious international award will open for the first time to six countries: Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Serbia and Croatia.
The ceremonial launch and presentation of the project will take place on 6 May 2026 directly at Mirror Hospitality Expo. Bratislava will thus become the city where a new chapter in professional recognition of bartending excellence in the region begins.
Mirror Hospitality Expo 2026 clearly demonstrates that Central Europe has much to offer – and that Bratislava is among the cities capable of shaping today’s global bar and gastronomic culture.
