Ago Perrone
Having collected the world's most sought-after accolades and being associated with having rewritten the rulebook on hotel bars, Ago Perrone is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures on the mixology scene globally. Ago's unique approach to hospitality and mixology has established his consistent international acclaim along the timeless and unbeaten popularity of London's stylish Connaught Bar - which he heads since its 2008 opening.
Since moving to London from native Lake Como in 2003, Ago has marked the industry for introducing creative and gourmet cocktails with an elegant twist into the classic style service and atmosphere of The Connaught, triggering hotel bars to become approachable and exciting drinking destinations. It is at The Connaught Bar that Ago found his element and had the opportunity to develop his remarkable style that, throughout the years, has become synonymous with the unique elegance of the venue itself.
Before revolutionising the bar scene with The Connaught Bar, Ago had already made a name for himself in the capital with experiences such as Dusk in Battersea, followed by Notting Hill's Montgomery Place. In the meantime, Ago had also started travelling the world as an ambassador for Italian spirits and hospitality and had teamed up with three friends in Italy to launch Bartender.it, the first Italian online magazine and network dedicated to mixology to inspire and support the local bartending community.
Strong advocate of offering guests a highly personalised experience, along a perfect balance of taste tradition and innovation, Ago's contribution to the industry over the past 10 years has been invaluable and prized with an endless list of personal awards and recognitions attributed to the Connaught Bar. Taking inspiration from travels and personal encounters with people all over the world, Ago develops drinks with a story that go beyond flavour and immerse guests into engaging narratives.
Today, you can find Ago at The Connaught Bar, where guests arrive from every corner of the world to be served his famed Martinis in one of London's most elegant settings. He continues to travel the globe, collaborating with top luxury brands, giving trainings and collaborating with first-class personalities in the food and drink industry while remaining a pillar for the Connaught together with his passionate team.
As Agostino says, ‘Serve straight up with style and don’t forget the smile.’
List of Awards
Ago's recipes and interviews are featured in a-list press and books in the UK and internationally, being testament to his game changing role in the drinks industry. List of personal and bar awards:
Best New Cocktail Bar, Theme Magazine 2005 (Dusk Bar)
Best UK Bartender, CLASS Awards 2006
Best Personalised Service, Wallpaper Magazine Awards 2008 (Connaught Bar)
Global Winner, BACARDÍ Legacy Cocktail Competition 2008
Best UK Hotel Bar, CLASS Awards 2009 (Connaught Bar)
World’s Best Bartender, Tales of the Cocktail 2010 (Connaught Bar)
World’s Best Hotel Bar, Tales of theCocktail 2010 (Connaught Bar)
Chef Barman and Best Bar in Hotel, Prix Villegiature Awards 2011 (Connaught Bar)
World Best Cocktail Bar, Tales of the Cocktail 2012 (Connaught Bar)
Best Bar Reader Awards, Food &Travel Magazine 2012 (Connaught Bar)
Best Bar, GQ Food & Drinks Awards 2015 (Connaught Bar)
Best Bar, Virtouso Best of the Best Hotel Awards 2015 (Connaught Bar)
Classiest Bar in London, Timeout 2016 (Connaught Bar)
Best International Hotel Bar, Tales of the Cocktail 2016 (Connaught Bar)
World's Best Cocktail Bar, Tales of the Cocktail 2016 (Connaught Bar)
Best Classic Menu, Imbibe Awards 2016 (Connaught Bar)
Evening Standard 1000 Progress List of London's Most Influential People 2016
Best European Mixologist, Mixology Bar Awards 2017
Best European Cocktail Bar, Mixology Bar Awards 2017 (Connaught Bar)
Bar Personality of the Year, Imbibe Awards 2017
The World’s 50 Best Bars: 2nd position in 2011; 4th position in 2012; 4th position in 2013; 11th position in 2014; 9th position in 2015; 4th position in 2016; 4th position in 2017; 5th position in 2018; Heering Legend of the List, World's 50 Best Bars 2018; Best Bar in Europe and 2nd in the world, World's Best Bars 2019