This Colombian bar has the world's best hospitality.

Hospitality is often discussed in terms of slick service and polished glassware, but true operational excellence goes much deeper. For Jean Trinh, founder of Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia, winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2026 highlights a fundamental truth: great service begins with how you treat your ecosystem. For chefs and bar operators, this demonstrates that hospitality is not an isolated front-of-house metric, but a holistic cycle of care that extends from the staff and local producers directly to the guest.\n\n## Caring for the Core Team and Producers\nAt the heart of Alquímico’s success is a culture that prioritises its team and local networks. In the high-pressure environment of beverage and food service, staff retention and morale directly dictate the guest experience. Trinh’s model shows that treating staff with genuine care reduces turnover and fosters authentic engagement. This ethos extends to local agricultural partners. By establishing direct relationships with producers across Colombia, the venue secures high-quality, unique ingredients while supporting the rural economy. For operators, the lesson is clear: robust supply chains are built on mutual respect and fair trade, not just transactional purchasing.\n\n## Showcasing Biodiversity on the Menu\nHoused in a restored three-storey mansion, Alquímico uses its cocktail programme to educate and engage guests on Colombia’s vast biodiversity. Each floor offers a distinct experience, yet all are united by a focus on local flora. Chefs can take inspiration from this structured approach to menu development. Rather than importing standard global commodities, Alquímico highlights native ingredients, turning the menu into a narrative of terroir. This strategy requires rigorous research and development, but it establishes a unique selling proposition that cannot be easily replicated by competitors.\n\n## Social Responsibility as an Operational Pillar\nTrue hospitality does not stop at the exit doors. Alquímico’s response to regional challenges, such as establishing aid channels following natural disasters, proves that a modern hospitality business must be integrated into its community. This level of social responsibility builds immense brand equity and local goodwill. When operators align their business goals with community welfare, it creates a resilient, purpose-driven brand that resonates with both international visitors and local supporters.