Giorgio Bargiani of Connaught Bar wins inaugural Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award at Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026

Giorgio Bargiani, the Italian-born assistant director of mixology at the Connaught Bar in Mayfair, has been named the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 for the inaugural edition of Europe’s 50 Best Bars. The accolade, announced today, is the second of two special awards revealed ahead of the live ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on 30^th June.

Born in Pisa, Bargiani grew up around his family’s restaurant business before working in local bars and nightclubs. He later took up roles in hotels including the Splendido in Portofino and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford. In 2014, he joined the Connaught Bar in London as a bar-back, where he was mentored by Agostino Perrone, director of mixology. He became head mixologist in 2019 and later assistant director of mixology. At the Connaught, which currently ranks sixth on the 2025 list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Bargiani is especially associated with the Martini service and the prestigious cocktail programme. Continuing a line of excellence in the industry, he has also been involved in mentoring staff and developing creative projects.

Responding to the award, he said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this accolade. It makes me feel more connected than ever to this wonderful bar community and I could not be more grateful to all my friends and colleagues for their continuous support along the way. To me, this is an occasion that truly celebrates the positive influences and connections we build day after day in our industry, and I hope this remains the north star of what we strive for.”

The first ranking of its kind to cover the continent, Europe’s 50 Best Bars is a new regional list following the launch of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and North America’s 50 Best Bars. It is compiled by the Europe’s 50 Best Bars Academy, a group of more than 300 independent industry figures from across the region. Director of content and creative at the organisation, Emma Sleight sang Bargiani’s praises following the announcement: “A fixture of one of London’s most prestigious hotel bars, Giorgio Bargiani is widely admired for his warmth, generosity and skill behind the bar. Deeply respectful of his mentors and peers, he consistently champions his team and nurtures a spirit of collaboration to provide outstanding hospitality. With this commitment to consistent creativity and service-led bartending, it is no surprise Bargiani has earned the admiration of peers across the industry and makes him a natural choice for this coveted accolade.”

The  award is voted for by the bartenders included on this year’s list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, who nominate a peer they consider to have made a significant impact in the global bar sector, recognising commitment to the European bar community. The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was first introduced to The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017, and Bargiani is the inaugural European sector recipient.

Dre Masso of Altos Tequila, said: “We’ve long been huge admirers of Giorgio’s work – his passion for the craft is unmistakable, and the way he brings energy and precision to everything he does is truly inspiring. Beyond his undeniable talent, he has a brilliant sense of humour, effortless charisma and is, quite simply, one of the loveliest people in our industry. A very well-deserved recognition.”

Food Desk

For further information about Europe’s 50 Best Bars and the full list of winners and nominees, visit the organisation’s website here.

For further information about Giorgio Bargiani, visit the mixologist’s Instagram here.