The Bar at 15 Stamford of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is set to host an extraordinary evening on Monday, 3 March 2025, from 8PM during Bar Convent Singapore (BCB) week, bringing together some of the most renowned figures in the bar industry from across Asia.

Hosted by Beverage Manager, Kavish Hurrydoss and Head Bartender, Máté Csizmadia, this star-studded gathering will feature top bartenders from establishments ranked on Asia's Best Bars and World's Best Bars. With their world-class skill and creative flair, these industry titans will come together for a high-energy night of exceptional drinks and expert mixology, celebrating the very best the region has to offer. Cocktails are priced at SGD 24 each.

THE LINE-UP

• Jon Lee | Penrose (Kuala Lumpur): No.8 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, No.98 World’s 50 Best Bars 2024
  
• Nikita Matveev | The Old Man (Hong Kong): No.71 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, No.47 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, No.2 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020, No.1 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019
  
• Holly Graham | Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo): No.53 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024
  
• Gabriel Gliga | The Pickwicks Chronicles (Bangkok)

1. Jon Lee | Penrose (Kuala Lumpur)

Penrose has become one of Kuala Lumpur’s most sought-after bars, thanks to its unwavering focus on cocktail craftsmanship and Jon Lee’s expert leadership. The bar’s approach is built on five essential pillars: alcohol, flavour, body, and dilution—ensuring that each drink is meticulously crafted for a perfect balance of taste and structure. The carefully curated menu, which blends time-honored classics with innovative twists, includes standout creations like the signature banana daiquiri, a bold and refreshing drink that marries distilled banana with tamarind, pimento berry, and tonka bean.

Under Jon's guidance, Penrose has risen rapidly in the rankings, jumping 42 spots to claim a place among the Top 10 Bars in Asia for 2024, while also securing the Nikka Highest Climber Award 2024 and the prestigious title of Best Bar in Malaysia 2024. This rapid ascent highlights Jon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cocktail artistry while maintaining a focus on quality and flavor.

2. Nikita Matveev | The Old Man (Hong Kong)

Old Man, founded in 2017, takes inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s 1952 novel about a Cuban fisherman and his epic battle with the sea, blending the legendary writer's love for spirits with an inventive, distinctly Asian twist. The bar’s drinks, each one carefully crafted, pay tribute to Hemingway’s adventurous spirit, drawing inspiration from his stories, his passion for cocktails, and the folklore surrounding him. Under Nikita’s leadership, the award-winning team at The Old Man continually curates a one-of-a-kind drinking experience, combining timeless influences with cutting-edge creativity to craft innovative cocktails that speak to both history and modernity.

Nikita’s leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades in the industry. The Old Man earned the prestigious Tatler Best Cocktails award shortly after opening in 2017, followed by securing #1 Best Bar in Asia in 2019 and #2 Best Bar in Asia in 2020. The bar also ranked #9 on the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2019, and maintained its position at #47 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023 and #71 in 2024. Additionally, Nikita was honored as Best Bartender of Macau 2018 by the Bar Awards and in 2023, he co-founded Dead Poets, further solidifying his influence in the cocktail scene. His vision and dedication continue to drive The Old Man’s standing as a global icon in the industry.

3. Holly Graham | Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo)

Tokyo Confidential is Holly Graham’s bold and imaginative creation, ranked #53 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024. Opened in October 2023, the bar celebrates high contrasts and delightful chaos, drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s vibrancy and the iconic Tokyo Tower. More than just evolving its menu, Tokyo Confidential continuously reinvents itself by embracing fresh concepts, each showcasing Holly’s boundless creativity and deep appreciation for Japanese ingredients. From signature cocktails to low- and no-ABV offerings, the bar prides itself on inclusivity and offering something for every palate.

Holly’s influence extends far beyond the bar; she is also the author of Cocktails of Asia and the Managing Editor (International) of DRiNK Magazine. She has been a key figure in the global bar industry, recently ranking #19 on the Bar World 100 list of the world's most influential figures, and has served on various prestigious committees including Tales of the Cocktail. Her contributions to the cocktail world have garnered her multiple accolades, with Tokyo Confidential earning recognition as one of the best bars in Asia in the 2024 Tatler Best Awards and a Top 10 Nominee for Best New International Cocktail Bar at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2024.

4. Gabriel Gliga | The Pickwicks Chronicles (Bangkok)

Gabriel Gliga, a prominent figure in the international bartending scene, has shaped Bangkok’s cocktail landscape with over a decade of global experience in renowned venues. As the former Beverage Director at Havana Social, he transformed its drinks program, elevating it into one of the city’s most cherished bars. His artistry and expertise have also been spotlighted through guest shifts at some of Asia’s Best Bars, solidifying his reputation on the international stage.

In December 2023, Gabriel introduced The Pickwicks Chronicles, a bar inspired by Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers. Blending Victorian-era charm with contemporary mixology, the bar features a gin-forward menu and cocktails that pay homage to Dickensian characters. Revered for its impeccable martinis and creative libations, The Pickwicks Chronicles offers a one-of-a-kind experience for modern cocktail enthusiasts.

Leading the evening will be The Bar at 15 Stamford’s talented team, with Beverage Manager Kavish Hurrydoss and Head Bartender Máté Csizmadia at the helm.  Join us for a spectacular evening to experience the artistry of Asia’s finest mixologists firsthand. 

Event: The Best Of Asia

Date: Monday, 3rd March 2025 

Time: 8:00pm - till late

Venue: The Bar at 15 Stamford, 15 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178906

Bookings can be made here.

88 Bamboo Editorial Team