The Central European bar scene is experiencing a historic moment: Prague’s Alma and Bratislava’s Mirror Cocktail Bar have made it into the Europe Regional Top 10 Honorees — the shortlist of the best bars and teams in Europe. For the entire region, this is a strong signal that its time has finally come.
Being named among the Europe Regional Top 10 Honorees at the Spirited Awards means one thing: you are among the absolute elite. This year, two establishments from the Czech Republic and Slovakia have achieved this. Prague’s Alma and Bratislava’s Mirror Cocktail Bar are thus redrawing the map of the European bar scene — while simultaneously shifting perceptions of the entire region, which until recently sat somewhat on the fringes.
While Alma represents a dynamic and confident new generation of Prague venues, Mirror Cocktail Bar confirms long-term quality and stability. This is all the more impressive given that the Bratislava bar succeeded in two categories: International Hotel Bar and International Bar Team. This is therefore not just a one-off success, but a clear confirmation of consistent work.
Why the Top 10 Honorees matter
The Spirited Awards, presented annually as part of the Tales of the Cocktail festival in New Orleans, are among the most respected accolades in the industry. The Top 10 Honorees category represents a shortlist of the ten best in each region — a sort of filter for absolute quality, from which global nominations are subsequently drawn.
Unlike popular rankings, it is not just popularity or media image that decides the outcome. Instead, a comprehensive approach is assessed: quality of service, interaction with guests, innovation, long-term consistency, and influence on the scene. This is precisely why this selection is often referred to as the “OG” of bar awards — a fundamental benchmark that carries extraordinary weight within the industry.
For the bars themselves and their teams, it is confirmation that their work stands up to the toughest international competition. And for the region as a whole, it is proof that it is no longer merely a source of talent for abroad, but a place where world-class projects are born.
“A total blast” with a deeper meaning
It is precisely this dimension that Stanislav Harciník from Mirror Cocktail Bar emphasises. “To be nominated for the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards as one of the top ten in the whole of Europe — and in two categories at once — is something unimaginable,” he says, noting that their team has been experiencing similar emotions for the third year running. At the same time, however, he adds that the intensity of the experience remains unchanged: “Even though it’s happened again, the feeling is just like the first time. We still can’t quite take it all in, but we’re absolutely delighted — for ourselves, for our team, for our bar, and for Slovakia and the whole region,” says this Brand Ambassador for Mirror Cocktail Bar.
And it is precisely the regional dimension that he sees as key. According to him, this success shows that even smaller scenes have something to offer: “We’re showing the world that even a small town and a small country can have their place on the global bar map.” Harciník also emphasises that it is above all the people behind this result: “We owe everything to our team and our guests. Thank you for your support — you have no idea how much it means to us,” he adds, and concludes by mentioning the Czech success: “We’re delighted that the Czech Republic is finally there too, namely Pavel Sochor with Alma. We congratulate them as well and are keeping our fingers crossed,” adds Harciník.
Pavel Sochor from Alma in Prague feels just as strongly about the award, emphasising the historical context: “For me, it’s absolutely mind-blowing, because I’ve known the Top 10 Honorees longer than the TOP 50 Best Bars,” he says, noting that this platform is one of the oldest and most respected in the industry.
“It’s actually the ‘OG’ of all bar awards. A hugely watched affair, and what’s more, it’s presented at one of the most important events of the year — Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans,” notes Sochor.
At the same time, however, he adds that he doesn’t see success as a goal, but as motivation: “We’re absolutely delighted. At the same time, though, we don’t intend to stand still — we want to keep moving forward. The Top 10 Honorees is brilliant, and we’re not stopping there.”
The success of Alma and Mirror Cocktail Bar also fits into a broader context. This year’s nominations feature other names with Czechoslovak roots — though this time abroad. Among this year’s Top 10 Honorees is London’s Tayēr + Elementary, run by Alex Kratěna, who has long been among the world’s top bartenders. Oslo is represented by Himkok, where Maroš Dzurus worked until recently, and London’s Kwãnt Mayfair is associated with another bar giant, Erik Lorincz.
But today there is a fundamental difference. Whereas previously talent from the region would leave and make a name for themselves primarily abroad, today top-class projects are emerging right here in Prague and Bratislava. And this year’s Top 10 Honorees demonstrate that Central Europe is no longer “on its way” — it has truly arrived on the global bar scene.
