Rome-born Lorenzo Antinori, 37, swapped law books for shakers and just made history: his Hong Kong bar, Bar Leone, is officially The World's 50 Best Bars 2025 No.1 – the first Asian bar ever to claim the global crown. After stints at iconic spots like London's Savoy and Seoul's Four Seasons, he opened Bar Leone in 2023 with one mantra: keep cocktails simple, seasonal, and utterly perfect. No fancy gadgets, just killer classics in a cozy Roman-living-room vibe. The result? Back-to-back Asia's No.1 titles and now the planet's top spot.

From Lawyer-to-Be to Global Bartending Star

Lorenzo, growing up in Rome, everyone thought you'd end up in a courtroom. What changed?

"I was studying law at university, totally bored out of my mind. To pay the bills, I started bartending part-time – and boom, I fell in love. The energy at night, mixing ingredients, seeing people light up over a great drink... that was my real passion. In 2010, I ditched the textbooks and headed to London to work at The American Bar in The Savoy – one of the legends. From there, I ran bars in Seoul's Four Seasons, then transformed Caprice Bar and Argo at Hong Kong's Four Seasons. Those places rocketed up the Asia's 50 Best lists under my watch."

Cocktail Popolari: Making Great Drinks for Everyone

Your big idea at Bar Leone is "cocktail popolari" – cocktails for the people. Explain that to someone who's never been.

"Exactly! So many top bars chase crazy techniques, rare ingredients, huge budgets. We do the opposite: take classics, use the freshest stuff, nail every tiny detail – the ice, the glass chill, the balance – and keep it affordable and welcoming. Our Filthy Martini is dirty-olive perfection, the Caffe Paradiso mixes coffee culture into a drink, and the Olive Oil Sour has that fizzy wow. No smoke machines or lab equipment. Just simple things executed perfectly. That's the secret sauce."

Stepping Inside Feels Like Crashing a Roman Family Party

The decor is pure nostalgia – what's the story?

"I shipped furniture, posters, even an old fashion calendar from my childhood bedroom in Rome straight to Hong Kong. Walk in and you're in a 1970s-80s Italian living room – warm, a bit chaotic, full of memories. I want guests to feel like they're popping into a mate's house for a drink, not some stuffy temple of mixology."

Biggest Challenge Going Solo?

Opening your own place after years in luxury hotels – what was the toughest part?

"Hands down, building a team that feels like family while staying super professional. As a bartender, you focus on the shaker; as an owner, you're responsible for everyone's livelihood, suppliers, the whole show. I learn something new every day, but listening to the team and creating real work-life balance? That's what keeps us strong."

New Baby: Montana Bar and the Cuban Vibe

You just opened Montana with Simone Caporale from Sips. Tell us about it.

"It's a total contrast to Bar Leone's sit-down chill – Montana is stand-up, dance-if-you-want, pure party energy! We're paying homage to Cuba's golden cocktail era: killer Daiquiris, Mojitos, El Presidente, with 1970s Miami disco vibes. Hong Kong needed a spot where you can let loose and socialize freely."

Why Hong Kong, and What's Next for Asian Bars?

You picked Hong Kong to build your empire – why here?

"This city is a melting pot: insane ingredients from everywhere, diverse crowds, thriving bar scene. Rents are brutal and costs are high, but it's a marathon – stay focused long-term, learn from mistakes. Asia's exploding right now; young drinkers in places like Bali or even Mongolia are hungry for great bars. Hong Kong's still the perfect launchpad."

Lorenzo's final word?

"We never chased awards – we chase great nights out. Do things with heart and quality, and the rest follows." If you're hitting Hong Kong, Bar Leone (and now Montana) should be top of your list. Simple, soulful, and seriously the best on Earth right now. Salute! 🍸