The Tribune

A year-old Bahamian cocktail lounge has been nominated for a top international award, which it says is a first for any bar in The Bahamas.

Bon Vivants, based at the Old Towne Sandyport, was one of ten bars shortlisted to be named Best New International Cocktail Bars in the Latin America and the Caribbean by Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards.

Kyle Jones, Bon Vivants co-owner with his business partner, William Young, said: “Being recognised by the Spirited Awards is a huge honour and incredibly humbling. I am so proud of our team; their hard work and dedication to the craft speaks volumes.”

“Their love and passion for what they do is evident in the quality of beverages they put in front of each and every person that walks through our doors. With everything that is going on in the world right now, this bright spot of good news was surely welcome. We are looking forward to the day when we can re-open to serve Bahamians and visitors once again.”

Since its establishment in 2007 by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the Spirited Awards have grown to become a staple in the hospitality industry. The award is granted by a panel of mixologists, bar owners, educators and writers from across the globe.

These judges review thousands of nominations provided by the public and, using their industry experience, determine the top contenders. There were 5000-plus nominees this year, and Bon Vivants was one of the 44 total bars chosen to win this particular award. The Bahamian contender opened in April 2019.

Shortlisted regional honorees were published on April 14, 2020, and the category winners will be announced at the 14th Annual Spirited Awards, which are scheduled to take place in July 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana.