Calloo Callay bar in Hackney Pic: James Morris/Flickr

Hackney is a world-class drinking destination, according to a respected annual survey.
Three of Drinks International magazine’s top 50 bars in the world can be found in the borough. The publication’s 2012 list, announced last month, was based on the opinions of industry experts from around the globe.

Nightjar on City Road, Rivington Street cocktail bar Callooh Callay and Happiness Forgets in Hoxton Square made up three of the top 12. Nightjar, now number three, and ninth-place Callooh Callay all improved on last year’s positions while Happiness Forgets was a new entry at number 12.

Edmund Weil, owner of Nightjar, said he and his staff have been able to maintain their popularity by “constantly innovating the drinks on our menu while adhering to old-fashioned values of service”.

Opened last year, Happiness Forgets was praised for its “relaxed atmosphere, unpretentious surroundings and fabulous drinks”. Speaking to Eastlondonlines , owner Alastair Burgess said, “We’re really honoured to be included in such an astounding list, but it hasn’t changed what we do. We’re honest, hardworking bartenders and staff, and we’re lucky to have customers that really enjoy coming here.”

Overall, London had six of the top 10 bars, beating New York’s two.