Altos Bartenders’ Bartender chosen for Europe
Giorgio Bargiani, assistant director of mixology at London’s Connaught Bar, has won the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 for Europe.
The award is part of the inaugural edition of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, the full ceremony for which will take place on 20 June.
Bartenders from venues on Europe’s 50 Best Bars list each put forward the name of a peer who ‘pushes the limits of what it means to be a great bartender’.
Bargiani has had a long career in luxury hospitality, which the judges said has been shaped by a ‘deep-rooted passion for elevating experiences through thoughtful details and elegant creations’.
He was also praised for his ‘contagious energy, love for human connections and his continuous quest for collaborations that could nurture his skillset’.
Bargiani 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.”
Born in Pisa, Italy, Bargiani grew up around his family’s restaurant business before gaining early experience in local bars and nightclubs. He later progressed into roles in hotels such as the Splendido in Portofino and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford.
In 2014, he joined the Connaught as a bar back, where he was mentored by Agostino Perrone. He became head mixologist in 2019 and assistant director of mixology in 2022.
Emma Sleight, director of content and creative for Europe’s 50 Best Bars, said: “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.”
Bargiani is closely associated with the Connaught Bar’s Martini service and artful cocktail masterpieces. His approach combines classical technique with precision and showmanship.
The Connaught ranked sixth on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Dre Masso, co-creator and global ambassador, Altos Tequila, added: “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.”
Prior to last year’s World’s 50 Best Bars list, Uno Jang of Jigger & Pony Group was named the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2025.
Freddy Andreasson of El Gallo Altanero bagged the prize for the North America list.
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