This Sydney bar with cracking harbour views has just been added to a prestigious world-best list

We’re all familiar with Michelin Stars (will you ever come Down Under?) – but what about a global body for cocktail bars? That’s where The Pinnacle Guide comes in. It’s the bar world’s answer to a Michelin-style accolade, and instead of stars – or even hats – it’s all about pins.

Last year, two Sydney bars achieved Pin status – award-winning glamour Maybe Sammy and good-times-only El Primo Sanchez – meaning they’ve been recognised for excellence across drinks quality, vibe, staff happiness and sustainable practices. Now, two rounds of newly pinned bars have just been announced – and there’s only one Aussie venue that made the cut. And it’s right here in Sydney.

Located on level 32 of the InterContinental, Aster Bar is one of Sydney’s most beautiful rooftop venues, offering sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and twinkling city skyline. Inside channels old-world glamour, with plush seating and a marble bar. And now, it’s officially a One Pin venue, according to The Pinnacle Guide.

On Aster Bar, The Pinnacle Guide says: “With sweeping views of some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, Aster Bar is a spot for visually striking cocktails with just as impressive views.”

A bit more info on The Pinnacle Guide: bars have to apply to be considered, before being anonymously assessed and tested by The Pinnacle Guide team. Applications are always open, so if you reckon your fave spot deserves a shiny Pin (I can sure think of a few) – ask them to apply. One Pin means excellent, two Pins is outstanding, and three Pins signals an exceptional experience. Currently, only one bar holds three Pins – and that’s Lyaness in London.

These are the 31 newly-pinned bars around the world:

Two Pin bars

• Bar 1802, Paris, France
• Kaito del Valle, Mexico City, Mexico
• Kioku Bar at The OWO, London, UK
• Little Red Door, Paris, France
• The Bar In Front Of The Bar, Athens, Greece
• The Cambridge Public House, Paris, France

One Pin bars

• Aster Bar, Sydney, Australia 

• Baba Au Rum, Athens, Greece
• BackDoor43, Milan, Italy
• Candelaria, Paris, France
• Cat Bite Club, Singapore
• CERESIO 7, Milan, Italy
• Cinquanta - Spirito Italiano, Pagani, Italy
• Copper Spoon, Fort Wayne, USA
• Dr. Zhivago Bar, Zurich, Switzerland
• Dry Milano, Milan, Italy
• Equal Parts, London, UK
• Hanky Panky, Mexico City, Mexico
• Le Mary Celeste, Paris, France
• Manhattan, Singapore
• Moebius, Milan, Italy
• Sentaku Izakaya, Bologna, Italy
• Service Bar, Washington DC, USA
• Sexy Fish, Miami, USA
• Shinji’s, New York, USA
• The Bar Below, London, UK
• The Diplomat, Hong Kong
• The K Bar, London, UK
• The Milk Thistle, Bristol, UK
• Thyme Bar, New York, USA
• Tiger Bar, Nashville, USA

To read the full list of newly pinned bars, have a look at the website here.

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