Keith Motsi wins Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award

We’ve all heard of the 50 Best brand and their globally recognised benchmark for excellence. Now back for another year of inspiring revelations, breakthroughs, and exciting results, we’re on the verge of witnessing the new list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars later this month.

With less than a fortnight to go before we find out who wins the coveted Asia’s Best Bar title, the year’s top bartender in Asia has been crowned. As voted by his peers on the Asia’s Best list themselves, the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2022 goes to Keith Motsi, Head Bartender at Charles H in Seoul.

In recognition of his significant contributions and commitment to Asia’s bar sector, the award is a strong nod of respect and approval by the community, being the only peer-judged award in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars programme.

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in the UK, Asia’s latest Bartenders’ Bartender brings with him a wealth of experience having travelled the world as a bartender, using his experience as inspiration for his work.

He also pushes his team at Charles H to constantly reinvent their cocktails with fresh perspectives, being the force that drives innovation and empowerment at his bar, offering guests new experiences and enjoyment every single time.

Keith’s rich background started from before he was even able to work behind a bar. At 17, he first began working as a barback at a high-volume cocktail bar on weekends in Leeds, UK, where he witnessed a bartender’s ability to create magic and memories for people, thus planting those seeds of ambition in him.

After several other stints around Leeds, he moved on to London, serving as Head Bartender at the exclusive Soho House. His passion and dedication also saw him taking on the position at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, where he helped with the opening of their EQUIS social lounge, before moving to Seoul.

Since arriving in Seoul, he has led the team at Charles H to bag the title of Best Bar in Korea for the past three Asia’s 50 Best Bars, amongst his many other accolades.

For fans of the community, don’t forget to join them on 28 Apr at 8.30pm for the live ceremony and countdown of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 through their Facebook page or YouTube channel. For more on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, visit their website here.

A version of this article first appeared on SG Magazine.