October 14, 2026
Slovakia has officially entered the global bar elite. Bratislava’s Mirror Bar, located in the iconic Hotel Carlton, has been ranked among the world’s top establishments in the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, an annual list celebrating the finest bars across the planet. The results were announced during a glamorous gala in Hong Kong.
This unprecedented success marks a milestone for Slovakia’s hospitality scene — proving that when talent, courage, vision, and team passion come together, even a small country can confidently stand alongside the world’s biggest metropolises and deliver world-class service.
The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking is compiled each year by more than 800 drinks industry experts from around the globe. The voting process is anonymous and based on their personal experiences with bar culture across continents. The goal is to recognize not only exceptional cocktails but also the atmosphere, service, creativity, and overall experience that each bar offers — making it one of the most respected accolades in the industry.
Slovakia Among the Global Elite
Mirror Bar’s achievement holds exceptional significance for Slovakia, particularly for the local bar and gastronomy scene. It is the first Slovak bar ever to make the Top 50, and also the only bar from Central Europe featured in this year’s list. Slovakia ranked 25th out of 50, and Mirror Bar also took home the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, given to the highest-placed newcomer. In total, the bar triumphed over more than 10,000 venues worldwide.
“This is a historic moment for Slovak bar culture. This success is not just about one team, but about an entire generation of bartenders proving that even a small country can deliver world-class quality,” says Róbert Tóth, General Manager of the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel, home of the iconic Mirror Bar.
The Team That Put Slovakia on the Global Bar Map
Behind Mirror Bar’s success is a team led by Bar Manager Peter Marcina and Global Ambassador Stanislav Harciník, who have been shaping the bar’s philosophy together for more than six years. Their approach combines precision technique, local ingredients, and experiential service — all within the timeless setting of the historic Carlton Hotel, a social landmark of Bratislava for over a century.
“Our goal was never just to make cocktails — we wanted to create emotion. Every drink at Mirror Bar tells a story — sometimes about Slovakia, other times about the journeys that inspire us. The fact that experts around the world recognized this approach is an incredible reward,” adds Peter Marcina.
At the awards ceremony in Hong Kong, the Mirror Bar team proudly represented Slovakia on stage. “The atmosphere was unbelievable — standing alongside bars we’ve admired for years was an indescribable experience,” recalls Stanislav Harciník.
A Boost for Slovak Tourism and Gastronomy
According to Marek Harbuľák, President of the Slovak Association of Hotels and Restaurants (AHRS), this recognition carries broad significance for the entire tourism sector. Thanks to its world-class service, the bar attracts many international visitors and is often one of the reasons tourists choose Bratislava. Its growing reputation abroad makes it a true ambassador of Slovakia.
“Successes like that of Mirror Bar are still rare in countries like ours. It’s proof that even a small nation with great talent can create something that stands up to global competition. This kind of recognition benefits not only the bar itself but also Slovakia’s tourism and the image of our gastronomy,” says Harbuľák.
A Global Indicator of Excellence
Created in 2009, The World’s 50 Best Bars has become a global benchmark for quality and innovation in the bar world. Each year, it is curated by an independent academy of experts from over 25 regions, who vote based on their personal experiences in the past 18 months. The project’s mission is not only to celebrate excellence but also to support the growth of bar culture, education, and exchange of ideas across borders.
“We believe this achievement will inspire more Slovak bartenders and entrepreneurs to have the courage to create big things with a local soul,” concludes Juraj Kostický, CEO of Carlton Savoy.
