The Swiss Bar Awards kicked off in early May with the call for entries. Starting in early June, the expert jury—composed of experts from the Swiss bar scene—reviewed and evaluated the submitted applications and visited the shortlisted establishments. In the categories “ Barkeeper ” of the Year and “Best Barkeeper Talent” (born 2003–2007), the “ Barkeeper ” had to demonstrate their knowledge, as well as their creative and technical skills, in August.
For the participants in the premier category, “ Barkeeper of the Year,” the final challenge of the Award Night was now upon them—the presentation of two original cocktail creations (one short drink and one long drink) in front of approximately 300 guests and a high-caliber panel of industry experts.
Barkeeper of the year
Maria Romeou had already demonstrated her skills with a compelling performance in the qualifying round on August 25. In the grand finale at the Award Night, the Greek-born bartender from the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne in Obbürgen took it up a notch and won over the jury’s palates and hearts with her original cocktail creations, “A Slice of Home” and “Solea.” She will now hold the title of “ Barkeeper of the Year 2026” for one year.
Additional Bar Awards went to Zurich, Frauenfeld, Lucerne, Lausanne, and St. Gallen
Shane Guerra, a rising star from Zurich, won the title of Best Barkeeper Talent 2026. The 23-year-old Barkeeper from Killwangen works at the Felix Bar in Zurich and prevailed over his competitors, Pascal Maslic and Marc Pfister, with an impressive performance during the qualifying round on August 25.
Botanic Bar is the Best Newcomer Bar of 2026
The 2026 Best Newcomer Bar Award goes to Frauenfeld in Eastern Switzerland. The award for the best new or reopened bar goes to the Botanic Bar. Opened in May 2025, owner and manager Sandro Derungs, together with co-owner Marc Kläusli and his team, have succeeded in creating—in a short period of time—a green oasis in the heart of Frauenfeld that invites guests to unwind, enjoy themselves, and feel at ease—an escape into a mystical jungle world.
Louis Bar is the Best Long-Selling Bar of 2026
The Louis Bar at the Art Deco Hotel Montana in Lucerne was honored with the “Best Longseller Bar 2026” award. Set in a stylish atmosphere, the Louis Bar is home to the most valuable whiskey collection in Central Switzerland. It is also a well-known gathering place in the city for jazz and blues enthusiasts. For over 10 years, the Louis Bar has been a must-visit spot in Lucerne, offering breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the mountains.
Le Vestibule has the Best Bar Menu 2026
The award for Best Cocktail Menu 2026 goes to Le Vestibule in Lausanne. It is one of the few speakeasies in French-speaking Switzerland that offers signature cocktails prepared in an original and sophisticated manner. The cocktail menu is updated twice a year. The current theme is the Swiss cantons: each signature cocktail represents a canton through a story or legend and features a recipe with ingredients or a design inspired by that canton. Thanks to this diverse and innovative concept, the bar has been awarded the title of Best Bar Menu.
Einstein Bar is the Best Hotel Bar of 2026
The Einstein Bar at the Hotel Einstein in St. Gallen is the best hotel bar of 2026. The decor and ambiance are in a classic English style. Timeless yet paired with modern elements, the Einstein Bar transports guests to another world and invites them on a sensory journey through time.
Marea Cocktail Bar is the Best Bar Team of 2026
The Best Bar Team 2026 award goes to the team at Marea Cocktailbar in Zurich. The six-member bar team impressed the jury with their passion, exceptional hospitality, and strong team spirit. Each team member regularly shares new ideas and creations with the team. In this way, they create an atmosphere where every guest feels welcome.
Overview of the Winners of the SWISS BAR AWARDS 2026
Barkeeper
, 2026:Maria Romeou, Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, Obbürgen
Best Barkeeper Talent 2026
Shane Guerra, Felix Bar, Zurich
Best Newcomer Bar 2026
Botanic Bar, Frauenfeld
Best Long-Running Bar of 2026
Louis Bar, Art Deco Hotel Montana, Lucerne
Best Bar Menu 2026
, Le Vestibule, Lausanne
Best Hotel Bar 2026
Einstein Bar, Hotel Einstein, St. Gallen
Best Bar Team 2026
, Marea Cocktail Bar, Zurich
SWISS BAR AWARDS:
The most prestigious awards of the Swiss bar scene
Since 2003, the trade magazine BAR NEWS has been presenting the most prestigious awards in the Swiss bar scene: the SWISS BAR AWARDS. This year marks the 24th time that talented Barkeeper and trendy bars will be honored with awards. The process begins each spring with the call for entries and culminates in the fall, when the awards are presented in a festive ceremony at the Award Night.
More info: www.swissbarawards.ch
