'Best bar in the world' closes indefinitely because of fire

The owners are 'staying positive and keeping the faith'

The Dead Rabbit was forced to close because of a fire (Instagram @deadrabbitnyc)

One of the “World’s Best Bars” has closed its doors indefinitely after a fire started on its New York City block.

The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, a beloved cocktail bar located at 30 Water Street in the Financial District in NYC, announced the news on social media - where they revealed that the bar will be closed “until further notice.”

In the post, the bar said: “This morning a fire was reported on our block. We’re still getting details, but the Dead Rabbit received considerable fire and water damage and as a result, will be closed until further notice. Fortunately, no one has been hurt.

“Thank you for your support and understanding at this very difficult time. We’ll let you know more as soon as we find out.”

According to NBC New York, New York firefighters responded to the bar after receiving reports of a fire in the bar’s kitchen ventilation system on July 1.

The watering hole has been a staple in downtown Manhattan since it first opened its doors in 2013.

It's known for it's stunning comic-book style drinks menus, which change every few months. Some of the current imaginative offerings include a concoction known as a 'Control Freak', made from pisco, tequila blanco, passionfruit, pink grapefruit, mango, lemon, white peony tea, and IPA Beer, and 'Guilt Trip', which sees Irish whiskey mixed with Italian herbal liqueur, sumac, za’atar spices, orange bitters, and Greek yogurt.

In addition to winning The World’s 50 Best Bars, the Dead Rabbit has also topped Time Out’s list of best bars in NYC.

Since the sad news, the city has mourned the cocktail bar.

The Independent's drinks columnist Adrian Smith said: "Dead Rabbit pioneered true innovation in the drinks world and it’s so sad to see how they’ve been affected due to this fire. It’s not an easy task to be named 'The World’s Best Bar’ on the most reputed list in the industry - but they did it, two years in a row. In fact, they’ve been in the top five since 2013. I visited on Christmas Eve last year with the Independent's Lifestyle Editor and not only was the gourmet gastro-style food sensational, the drinks were inspired. If there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that a community will now gather and help re-build this holy ground for the cocktail."

And on Facebook, fans of the bar are continuing to express their sympathies.

“Glad everyone is safe… sorry to hear about the closing but sending positive energy out for a quick reopening!” one person wrote.

Another said: “No! Absolutely the best bar and bartenders in NYC. Praying for a quick comeback and so glad no one was hurt.”

Despite the damage sustained, the owners of the Dead Rabbit are hopeful and optimistic that the bar will be back - and have encouraged people to raise a glass and wish them well.

“First of all, heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent messages of support and encouragement over the past day or so. They’ve come from all over the world. It’s great to know that you’re thinking of us,” they wrote on Facebook. “It’s obviously a very anxious time for us all, but we’ll get through it."

“After all, The Rabbit was born in a hurricane,” the owners wrote, referring to Hurricane Sandy, which decimated parts of Lower Manhattan in 2012.