Kurt Schlechter, owner of Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen in Cape Town, has been named among the drinks industry’s most influential figures in Bar World 100, an annual list that celebrates the best in the business, globally.
Schlechter was ranked number 46 – up 36 places from 2019, when he ranked 82.
“It’s an absolute honour to be nominated among such talented and passionate hospitality folk. I’m grateful to be in an industry that has evolved so much in the last 20 years,” Schlechter said.
Bar World 100, now in its second year, is compiled by Drinks International, a magazine that caters to the global bar and liquor industry. The list was compiled based on votes from 102 international industry insiders who hailed from 60 different cities, ensuring diverse national and cultural representation. The voting guidelines were to recognise innovators who elevated the global industry while addressing injustices and using their influence to effect positive change.
Panellists had 10 votes: a maximum of three could be cast for bar figures in their city of residence, while a maximum of five could be from their country. In this way, at least half of their votes had to be for international pioneers.
In the accompanying editorial, Drinks International Bars Editor Hamish Smith said: “Clearly, influence means different things in different parts of the world, but there are those whose impact and sway extends beyond their local sphere to inspire the industry globally. So, by polling more than 100 industry commentators, we’ve constructed a list of those whose impact is pervasive, knowing no borders, translating across cultures and languages.”
Monica Berg from Tayer + Elementary in London topped the list at number one. The complete Bar World 100 supplement can be seen here.
Picture: Kyle Schlechter/Facebook