Canada's 100 Best Bars: Laowai Canada's Top Ten Bar

To be acknowledged by Canada's esteemed publication, Canada's 100 Best, is a true testament to the passion, creativity, and commitment we pour into every aspect of our bar. This accolade recognizes the distinctive atmosphere, exceptional service, and outstanding beverage offerings that have become synonymous with Laowai. We are proud to stand alongside the other deserving establishments that have been celebrated for their contributions to Canada's bar scene.

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Alex Black
The Spirit Business: Announcing Regional Honourees

The Spirited Awards are the most prestigious awards in the spirits industry, and being named a regional honouree is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Laowai and Bagheera have both been recognised for our commitment to quality, creativity, and exceptional service.

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Alex Black
Daily Hive: Vancouver Bars Recognized Among World's Best

Laowai and Bagheera are once again making waves in the Vancouver cocktail scene, as both bars have been named among the top 10 honorees in the 2023 Spirited Awards by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. The announcement, featured in Daily Hive, highlights the commitment to excellence in the Vancouver cocktail scene.

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Alex Black
Track & Food Podcast

I had a great time sitting down with Jamie Mah of Scout Magazine on his 'Track and Food' podcast. We talked about Vancouver's bar scene, cocktails, and the inspiration behind Laowai. I also shared some exciting news about my new project, Bagheera, which I'm thrilled to be opening soon. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with a wider audience and share our story and philosophy. If you're interested in hearing more about our journey and our upcoming venture, I highly recommend giving the episode a listen!

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Alex Black
Vancouver Is Awesome: Bagheera Preview

I want to take a moment to give credit to the amazing Allie Turner for the fantastic preview she put together for Bagheera, our upcoming hidden bar opening on Vancouver is Awesome. I'm truly flattered and honored by the support and recognition we've received from the Vancouver community, and Allie's article perfectly captures the essence of what we're trying to create with our new venture. We can't wait to welcome everyone and show them what we've been working on. Thank you again to Allie and Vancouver is Awesome for the wonderful feature!

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Alex Black
Spirit Business Global Bar Report 2022: North America

I am proud to share that our bar has been recognized as one of the "Bars to Watch in 2023" in North America by The Spirits Business Global Bar Report 2022. The Spirits Business is a well-respected publication in the spirits industry, and their Global Bar Report is a highly regarded resource for information and trends concerning bars and cocktails. Their team of expert writers and judges evaluate bars across the world to identify emerging trends, innovative techniques, and exceptional cocktails. Being recognized by The Spirits Business Global Bar Report is considered a significant achievement and a testament to a bar's creativity, quality, and reputation. This recognition can bring increased visibility and business to a bar, particularly among cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals who trust the publication's recommendations. Our Vancouver-based bar is known for its creative and expertly crafted cocktails that feature unique ingredients and innovative techniques. We are also dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices, which sets us apart from other bars in the industry. Being included in this prestigious list is a testament to Vancouver's growing reputation as a destination for high-quality cocktails and bartending, and we are thrilled to be part of it.

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Alex Black
DailyHive - Vancouver's Laowai Named Best New Bar in Canada

Vancouver just keeps winning! Our city is home to not only the best restaurant in Canada but also the best new bar in the country, according to Canada’s 100 Best.

The guide to dining and drinking released its annual ranking of the 100 best eating establishments in the country yesterday, as well as its picks for the 50 best bars.

While Toronto’s Civil Liberties topped the list in general, there was some great representation from Vancouver watering holes too.

One, in particular, Laowai, snagged the title for best new bar.

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Alex Black
Laowai is Nominated as Best New International Cocktail Bar

Since its founding in 2007, the Spirited Awards® has become one of the industry’s most sought-after awards, recognizing beverage professionals, products, establishments, journalists, and media across every facet of the spirits and cocktail community on a global scale. The award categories spotlight a range of talent from bartenders, journalists, and brand ambassadors, to brands and media, to ensure each aspect of the industry is well represented and recognized for its contributions.

The Spirited Awards® are composed of industry accolades, both U.S. and International, writing and media awards, and a few highly coveted, overall awards that transcend regionality including World’s Best Cocktail Bar and World’s Best Cocktail Menu.

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Alex Black
Candlelight Club Cocktails

To celebrate Earth Day, my good friends at The Social Concierge has taken its Candlelight Club virtual.

The event is normally hosted at a popular Vancouver restaurant; instead, folks wishing to participate this year can ordered a special takeout menu from participating restaurants.

The online event also featured live performances from local artists and featured cocktail demonstrations by yours truly.

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Alex Black
Scout Magazine - The Vancouver Cocktail

In 2006, a modern-day sporting gentleman by the name of Joe Bates sat down in front of bartender Steve da Cruz at the Sylvia Hotel and single-handedly re-birthed the Vancouver Cocktail. Da Cruz made it his mission to spread the gospel of the cocktail throughout the beverage world, which he did quite successfully. The cocktail can now be made at any decent drinks den in the province and has been placed on menus around the world.

But, nearly fifteen years after it rose from the ashes, it turns out we’ve been making it wrong.

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Alex Black