Drinking and Design: 5 of the most stunning bars in the world


Sometimes, after a long, hard day at work, all you want to do is relax with a cool glass of wine in a nice bar.


However, nice bars, and by nice we mean beautifully designed, are surprisingly difficult to come by.

Luckily, they do exist you just have to know where to look. The prestigious SBID International Design Awards have announced the 2017 finalists and it includes some of the nicest bars in the world.

So kick back, crack open a beer and browse our top picks of the best bars and clubs this fine planet has to offer. You will never be at a loss for where to drink again.

Brick Yard 33 1/3, Taipei, Taiwan

Designers: HC Space Design

Located in Taiwan, this is a building steeped in history. It was originally used as a place to billet soldiers and now serves as something much more light-hearted, a restaurant come bar.

The rustic build was renovated using materials from the original site. Exposed brick, beams and vintage tiles create a unique retro vibe under the envelope of the original architecture.  Wandering around expect to see phonographs surrounded by old records, neon signage and colourful furniture and only the coolest of customers.

The Whale Bar, St Regis Hotel, St Regis, Maldives

Designers:  WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design

Everyone knows that the Maldives is one of the most beautiful parts of the world; this bar takes full advantage of that fact. Shaped like a whale shark the length of the venue extends out over the ocean offering uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea.


The exterior of this whimsical build is made of iridescent stucco resembling the scales of a fish. Inside, a minimalist design of oak wood floors and furniture with a neutral palette creates a serene ambience for customers.

Although the whole venue is breath taking, the real show stopper is the mural located above the bar. Consisting of five oak panels, the art work by Indian artist Maya Burman uses henna style drawing to depict a father and son discovering fishes in the coral and pays homage to the tropical sea life in the Maldives.  

Cubano Lito, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Designers: Bishop Design LLC

Cubano Lito invites its guest to unwind in the hazy glow of a traditional Cuban bar located in Dubai. It may seem random but it works. Evoking the dishevelled interiors of old school bars found in Cuba, Cubano Lito consists of reclaimed materials like old barber chairs used as bar stools. The ceilings tiles have been distressed using tea wash application to add to the rustic theme of the bar.

Celebrating everything Cuban from cuisine to drinks, the bar even has a mural of worn looking Cuban’s smoking cigars. Mismatched furniture and décor teamed with effortlessly cool styling successfully create Cuba in Dubai.

Devonshire Club, London, England

Designers: March and White

From the outside this London based club doesn’t look like much, however inside is a different story. To create the luxurious interior, designers avoided traditional men’s club cliché and instead opted to incorporate feminine touches alongside a traditional fifties décor.

Don Draper and Peggy Olson would not look out of place here, and yet a stylish finish including glamorous patterns and textiles brings this establishment into 2017. Each room has its own individual personality and makes exploring the venue a delight.

The Living Room, Manchester, England

Designers: Fusion by Design

As the name suggests, this space was designed to resemble a traditional living room. Fusion by Design took its own approach on this brief and the result is a timelessly stylish venue.  The once restricted first floor has been transformed by the addition of a mezzanine which links the ground floor and first-floor bars.

UK only suppliers were used to create the warm décor which includes a bar that is upholstered with nude, fluted leather, an art deco tiled floor and plush velvet chairs.








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