Melbourne Cocktail Bar Named Best in World

Melbourne’s family-owned neighborhood bar Black Pearl was named Best International Cocktail Bar at the prestigious Spirited Awards held in New Orleans.

The awards are known as the Oscars of the bar industry, and they’re part of the Tales of the Cocktail event each year. The trophy “recognizes the international bar that has set the highest of standards and influenced cocktail trends, on a global level, over the past year.” Judges take into account cocktail quality, bar team talent and bar atmosphere.

The bar has become a favorite in the inner north Melbourne neighborhood of Fitzroy for its sophistication balance with a welcoming vibe that makes it feel accessible despite the excellent drinks that might otherwise intimidate the casual consumer. It’s one of the most respected in the Australian bar scene, and surely the win will bring curious consumers by the droves.

“The décor is understated, with lots of comfy couches, recycled furniture and a lived-in, welcoming vibe. The crowd is mostly composed of young and not so young professionals, enjoying their drinks and feeling at one with the world. There’s something of an abrupt mood shift on Friday and Saturdays when the music is cranked up and the place really starts buzzing,” reads the description on the World’s Best Bars page.