15 Bars You Need To Visit Before You Die

<p>In his latest book, master sommelier JURGEN LIJCOPS guides readers on a journey to 150 of the most extravagant bars throughout the world &mdash; each having a unique story to tell. Here&rsquo;s 15 of his favourites...</p>

- Jurgen Lijcops

AQUA SHARD — United Kingdom

THE SHARD, 31 ST THOMAS STREET, LONDON, SE1 9RY

You will remember the lavatory forever.

Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor of the Shard, serves innovative British cuisine. The cosmopolitan establishment’s restaurant, private dining rooms and spectacular three-floor atrium bar offer breathtaking views of the city. The bar is open all day with no reservation needed and boasts a wide range of cocktails inspired by the botanicals you so often see in the worlds of gin and British tea. Aqua Shard lets you take in the London skyline from sunrise to sunset.

ATLAS BAR — Singapore

600 NORTH BRIDGE ROAD, PARKVIEW SQUARE, SINGAPORE

The magnificent collection of spirits, which includes all of Jacques Selosse’s cru champagnes, is truly unique.

Atlas graces the ground floor of Parkview Square, an iconic building in Singapore’s Bugis neighbourhood. Yet this bar will make you feel as if you are in contemporary New York. Not in a speakeasy way, but with a certain light elegance. Atlas Bar, headed by Roman Foltán, is known for its sophisticated cocktails and its gin and champagne collections, which took more than two years to compile and contain true treasures. In addition to champagne and gin, Atlas also boasts exceptional wine (50,000 bottles) and whisky (10,000 bottles) collections gathered from the private collection of C.S. Hwang, the founder of the Parkview Group. The drinks list is divided into ‘The Golden Age’, ‘The Gilded Age’ and ‘The Crazy Age’. Foodies are suitably pampered, too, by executive chef Daniele Sperindio, who prepares dishes using skills that he has acquired in Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world.

STOCKTON — China 32