Giorgio Bargiani, Italian-born bartender and Assistant Director of Mixology at the Connaught Bar in London, has been named the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 for the inaugural edition of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. This prestigious award is voted for by the bartenders on this year’s list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars who put forward the name of a peer who they believe pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender.
This is the second of two special awards announced ahead of the live awards ceremony on Tuesday 30 June 2026. The award goes to a personality who made a significant impact in the global bar sector over the voting period and recognises their commitment to the European community in that time.
Giorgio Bargiani’s career in luxury hospitality has been shaped by a deep-rooted passion for elevating experiences through thoughtful details and elegant creations, inside and outside the bar. Bargiani’s contagious energy, his love for human connections and his continuous quest for collaborations that could nurture his skillset have helped him build a strong community in London and all over the world. Born in Pisa, Italy, he grew up around his family’s restaurant business before gaining early experience in local bars and nightclubs, and later progressing with roles in high‑end hotels such as 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. Over the following decade he rose rapidly through the ranks, becoming Head Mixologist in 2019 and later Assistant Director of Mixology.
Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Europe’s 50 Best Bars, says: “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.”
At the Connaught Bar, Bargiani has played a key role in extending the legacy of one of London’s most iconic drinking destinations. He is closely associated with the bar’s world‑famous Martini service, artful cocktail masterpieces and enhancing the ritualistic and personalised guest experience that defines the venue. His approach combines classical technique with precision and showmanship, making guests feel truly special and helping to reinforce the Connaught’s reputation for tailored hospitality while maintaining consistency and creativity in mixology at the highest level.
Bargiani has contributed to the bar’s repeated recognition in the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars, currently ranking as No.6 in the 2025 list, and his leadership extends to mentoring the team, shaping cocktail creations, experiences and creative projects for the bar, helping the Connaught Bar remain timeless and influential on the global stage. Within the international bar community, he’s been a connector and a true catalyst forging friendships and building opportunities for his peers.
On winning the award, Bargiani says: “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.”
Dre Masso, Co-Creator and Global Ambassador, Altos Tequila, says: “On behalf of Altos Tequila, we are incredibly proud to celebrate Giorgio Bargiani of the Connaught Bar as the winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award as part of Europe’s 50 Best Bars. 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.”
The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award was introduced to The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2017 and Giorgio Bargiani will be the inaugural recipient for Europe’s 50 Best Bars.
The countdown of the inaugural list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will be broadcast live to a global audience. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through the 50 Best channel on YouTube.