The Pinnacle Guide is a newly launched platform that aims to revolutionize the way bars are recognized for their excellence. Instead of the traditional star-rating system, the Pinnacle Guide awards “pins” to bars around the world. The debut list features 37 bars across seven initial markets, with each bar receiving either one or two pins. The Pinnacle Guide was founded by industry veterans Hannah Sharman-Cox, Siobhan Payne, and Dan Dove, who saw the need for a more transparent and inclusive recognition system in the bar industry.
Unlike other industry recognition systems like Michelin or 50 Best, the Pinnacle Guide operates on a self-submission system where bars nominate themselves through a rigorous written assessment. This assessment covers a range of criteria including the quality of drinks and service, staff training and well-being, hiring practices, and environmental considerations. The goal is to provide bars with clear guidelines on what they are being judged on and to inspire them to continuously improve.
One of the key aspects of the Pinnacle Guide is its focus on inclusivity. The founders emphasize that the guide is not limited to recognizing high-end hotel bars or scientific mixology bars. Instead, bars are evaluated based on their own concepts, meaning that establishments like beach bars, sports bars, and dive bars are all eligible for consideration as long as they meet the criteria. The goal is to shed light on bars that may have been overlooked in the past and to encourage diversity within the industry.
The founders of the Pinnacle Guide are not just focused on recognizing excellence, but also on elevating the industry as a whole. Each evaluated bar receives feedback from the reviewers, even if they do not receive a pin. This feedback is meant to help bars identify areas of improvement and work on any deficiencies. Bars are encouraged to reapply with these suggestions in mind, with the hope that they will continue to grow and excel.
While the first round of evaluations primarily focused on bars in the U.K., the Pinnacle Guide plans to expand its geographic lens as the brand grows. Currently evaluating bars in seven markets including the U.K., U.S., Australia, Dubai, Mexico, Singapore, and Spain, the guide aims to add new markets and reviewers in the future. The goal is to provide recognition to bars around the world and to celebrate excellence on a global scale.
The Pinnacle Guide marks a new era in the bar industry, where transparency, inclusivity, and continuous improvement are at the forefront. By providing clear guidelines for evaluation, offering constructive feedback to bars, and recognizing a diverse range of establishments, the Pinnacle Guide is setting a new standard for excellence in the industry. As the brand continues to grow and expand, it will be exciting to see how it continues to shape the future of the bar industry.