27 August 2025 – Lady Bee in Lima, Peru, has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025. This is the first of two special awards that will be announced in the run-up to the reveal of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier.
Created to highlight the vital role of hospitality in the experience of any bar, more than 800 anonymous industry experts that make up The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy are asked to nominate the one bar where they have received the most exceptional hospitality in the past 18 months. The award will be presented at a live ceremony taking place in Hong Kong on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
Created in 2021 to elevate Lima’s cocktail culture to the level of its acclaimed dining scene, Lady Bee is the brainchild of bartenders Alejandra León and Alonso Palomino, as well as chef Gabriela León, who craft each drink and dish with the finest native produce from across Peru. Together, they source ingredients from the Amazon to the Andes and the Pacific, working closely with producers and communities. Because of this, the cocktail menu is a masterclass in sustainable storytelling through flavour, deeply rooted in Peru’s diverse ecosystems and with a zero-waste philosophy.
Now located in the vibrant and iconic neighbourhood of Barranco, Lady Bee continues to create a unique experience that would not be complete without delicious cocktails, food and exceptional hospitality. The staff is not only attentive and highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about the bar’s core values of sustainability and celebrating Peruvian ingredients. This passion is evident in the way they interact with guests, the warm welcome and genuine enthusiasm for the bar’s mission to create an immersive journey where guests are not just customers, but part of the Lady Bee family.
The interior is a refined blend of elegance, symbolism and sustainability. With a honeybee motif that’s woven through every detail – from the glassware and garnishes to subtle design elements throughout the bar – the atmosphere is intimate and chic, with a warm, inviting glow that complements the bar’s commitment to hospitality and storytelling. Every corner reflects the founders’ deep respect for nature and community, with locally crafted décor, sustainable materials and a layout that encourages connection. It’s a space where the artistry of cocktails meets the soul of Peruvian culture.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “In just a short time, Lady Bee has carved out a reputation as one of the world’s most beloved bars, being named Campari One To Watch on its debut at No.52 in 2023 and rising to No.16 in 2024. Alongside their exceptional drinks offering, Alonso and Gabriela have created an effortlessly warm space where all are welcome to discover the wonders of Peruvian culture and ingredients. This recognition is a testament to the team’s passion and dedication, and we offer our sincere congratulations to everyone at Lady Bee for this well-earned honour.”
Co-founders and owners Alejandra León, Alonso Palomino and Gabriela León comment: “Gastronomy is a great tool to convey different messages. Pollination, our latest cocktail menu, represents a very personal journey, the Bee travelling through the Amazonian, Andean and Coastal forests, just as we have in these years of our own exploration and identity. For us, it is important to tell stories about our diversity, geography and the richness of our ecosystems and we strive to celebrate the people who are dedicated to every ingredient. Receiving the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award fills us with joy and excitement and is a recognition for the whole team, for the people who, throughout this time, have contributed with their generosity.”
Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s Distillery, says: “Congratulations to Alonso Palomino, Gabriela León, Alejandra León and the entire team at Lady Bee on winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. It is a testament to how highly their peers value their welcoming atmosphere and Peruvian ingredient-based creative approach.”
The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience. Bar and cocktail lovers are invited to join through the 50 Best TV channel on .