Global Bar Report 2023: Middle East and Africa

The bar scenes in Africa and the Middle East are becoming ones to reckon with, with dynamism and diversity on menus from Lagos to Dubai.

Dynamic, beautiful, diverse ­– 21st-century Africa is a sight to behold. This beguiling continent remains profoundly uplifting. You want proof? Visit the dynamic urban areas of Lagos, Nigeria, Nairobi, Kenya, and Cape Town, South Africa, where citizens (and tourists) revel in the bonhomie of African nightlife – sometimes a little messy. Yet a night out in major cities now offers the same choice as any European metropolis: your options run the whole gamut from boisterous student haunts to designer cocktails served on a rooftop terrace.

In the 1990s, luxury on the African continent typically meant ‘hiding’ in the safety of bland, foreign-owned upmarket hotels. But local investors are doing much of the legwork today, bringing creativity and sophistication to Africa’s urban centres. And while destinations like Cape Town took a major hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, a buoyant tourist trade is undoing much of the damage in 2023.

“The atmosphere in Cape Town is incredible – it’s like Covid-19 never occurred,” says local resident Erica Taylor. “We’re expecting another bumper summer season leading into 2024, while investors haven’t lost their nerve; new destinations continue to open in our beautiful city.” Employed as a wine consultant in the Western Cape, Taylor describes an ongoing shift from the suburbs to downtown areas, as millennials embrace inner-city living. This provides a welcome impetus to fund ongoing regeneration projects, attracting the best and brightest from across Sub-Saharan Africa.

As elsewhere, sustainability remains a chief concern, in addition to offering guests an immersive experience that encompasses bespoke cocktails, relaxed service, and sensory stimulation.

One of the most inspiring cultural movements has seen a revival of African music – enjoying a live concert in the shadow of Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, is an unforgettable experience. The nation’s talented musicians pay homage to the traditions of the past while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. This provides a constantly evolving playlist as you leap headfirst into Africa’s unashamedly hedonistic night-time economy. Moreover, international recognition has grown exponentially over the past decade: Nairobi’s Hero Bar was featured in the extension list of the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2022. But this is just the start.

“The bar scene has definitely recovered – we’ve seen new cocktail bars open, and major spirits brands are sending more of our bartenders abroad to learn about mixology,” says Paolo Carrara, co-owner of Cape Town’s Hacienda bar. “This ensures we can compete with the best bars of the world, and maintain international standards. We’ve also partnered with Bacardi, and our mixologist Dalu Dranks spent some time in Singapore, where you’ll find one of the best cocktail cultures in the world.”

Meanwhile Dubai has retained its crown as an epicentre of cocktails and glamour in the Middle East; the city has two entries in the World’s 50 Best Bars list 2023 (Mimi Kakushi and Galaxy Bar). Many of the region’s top venues, it must be said, are found in luxury resorts. However, to grasp the profusion of what the Levant can offer, visit the Mar Mikhael and Badaro neighbourhoods of Lebanon, or the lively seafront promenade of Tel Aviv. Here, an intoxicating mix of social liberalism and internationalism yields countless destinations, ranging from chic to New York-esque dive bars.

The Middle East used to be hit-and-miss: anodyne hotel bars and cookie-cutter shisha bars. Yet independent cocktail bars now lead the pack, with more businesses opening every year. There are no global shareholders behind them, and so owners don’t have to play by corporate rules, or any rules except their own. With the current worldwide interest in authentic travel booming, the region’s moment should have arrived.

Bars to watch in 2024

7 Tales – Dubai, UAE

Situated on the 44th floor of the city’s Grosvenor House hotel, 7 Tales is modelled on a Japanese izakaya, with a healthy dose of Middle Eastern pizazz. Subtle it is not: expect a lacquered orange bar carved from solid oak panels, mirrored ceilings, and slate walls. But guests will love the sizeable leather sofas and colourful Japanese artwork. You also can’t go far wrong with Bushido Waifu (basically a Pisco Sour with sake), or the One-Eyed Dragon, an innovative take on the Margarita that mixes Tequila, mezcal, red bell pepper, and chilli, served in a sake cup. Talk about a spicy pick-me-up.

Onda by Pierchic – Dubai, UAE

Rooftop bars are two a penny in Dubai, which is why Onda by Pierchic takes place on the Arabian Gulf. Cocktails are served on a private pier supported by floating pods, with unbeatable views of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel. Sunset hour is always jam packed, as patrons enjoy a selection of bespoke cocktails and light bites. Perch up at the twinkly lit floating ocean bar and sip a Nutty Martini (vodka, Frangelico, espresso, coffee, pandan syrup, chocolate bitters) in the company of Dubai’s jet-set.

Hacienda – Cape Town, South Africa

Co-founded by whizz-kid entrepreneur Paolo Carrara, Hacienda offers a little slice of Latino heaven in the Western Cape. The vibrant décor, inspired by the taverns of Baja California in Mexico, brings together an eclectic mix of tourists and Capetonians, united in their love of great food, cocktails, and Latin beats. As you’d expect, Tequila-based mixology takes centre stage at Hacienda, described as “the hero of the establishment” by manager Dalu Dranks. “Tequila plays a huge role in bringing guests to the venue because you can’t find most of our Tequilas and mezcals in South Africa,” he says. “Sustainability is also very important for us: our cocktails, syrups and cordials are all made in-house, using locally sourced products. Even the fruit that might be going off gets dehydrated to be used for garnish and purée.”

Want to know more? Check out the Global Bar Reports for South and North America.