“We were super surprised to be included this year – and to have moved up from 88 to 86,” said the owner of the Art of Duplicity. “Even more surprised that a South African bar made it onto the list, given that travel has been an issue and judges need to have visited the bar in person.”
Western Cape, South Africa (13 December 2021) – The Art of Duplicity is thrilled to once again make the top 100 best bars in the World, with their 86th place on this year’s list, moving up with a coveted two-place ascent since last year.
The Art of Duplicity is a beautiful paradox, simultaneously being one of the most celebrated bars in the country, with several awards to its name, while also keeping its location a secret. As a speakeasy, it doesn’t publish its address, letting guests discover it through word of mouth alone. Despite its discretion, the bar has captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors from Cape Town and around the world.
Maybe Cape Town’s best-kept secret, The Art of Duplicity, may soon find that moniker a stretch as they’re discovered by more and more cocktail connoisseurs and in-the-know industry figures. This year, they’re set to be visited by even more guests eager to find out what’s placed them among the best in the world.
“We were super surprised to be included this year – and to have moved up from 88 to 86,” said owner David Donde. “Even more surprised that a South African bar made it onto the list, given that travel has been an issue and judges need to have visited the bar in person.”
But borders proved no boundary to finding the best in cocktail culture around the world, so move up they did, and in good company: Donde also congratulated fellow Cape Town cocktail bar Cause and Effect for making the list.
The bar is the brainchild of entrepreneur Donde and bartender Brent Perremore, envisioned as an ode to 1920s Prohibition culture. Its password-protected doors opened in an inconspicuous alleyway sometime in October of 2018, only known to a select few. Since then, the bar and its team have gone on to gain respect and recognition both locally and internationally. Most recently, it was awarded the 2020 Cocktail Bar of the Year Award.
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