The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is postponed to 2021 as the brand focusses its attention on supporting global recovery.
50 Best, the prestigious annually ranking the top 50 best restaurants and bars around the world, announces that it is postponing The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 Awards. The event in Antwerp, Flanders will take place in 2021, circumstances permitting.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 awards will not take place on 2nd June in Antwerp, Flanders. Neither will 50 Best release its annual list in ranked format this year.
50 Best has taken the decision to postpone the event programme in Antwerp, Flanders until 2021, if the situation with the coronavirus pandemic evolution allows. Its destination hosts, Visit Flanders and the City of Antwerp, look forward to welcoming the gastronomic community next summer, when 50 Best hopes that restaurants will be well underway in a process of rebuilding and recovery.
William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, says: “Given the circumstances globally, in 2020 we will put all our efforts into helping the restaurant sector to fight for its future, as well as assisting in the work that chefs and restaurateurs are themselves doing to help others.”
In place of the global gastronomic gathering, 50 Best said in a statement it will design and develop impactful initiatives that will help the world work together in this time of need. It will also use its network to support and amplify programmes that will bolster businesses, while continuing its editorial campaign to support restaurants, restaurant workers and chefs.
This decision has been made as a result not only of current international travel restrictions and severe health concerns, but also in light of the horrific toll that the pandemic is taking on the restaurant and hospitality sectors worldwide, not to mention the suffering of millions of individuals at the hands of the virus.
“We stand united with the restaurant sector at this unprecedented time,” says Drew. “Today we make a pledge that even though there will be no celebration of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants this year, we will act to support and defend restaurants today and in the future. We ask for the community to join us in the initiatives that will take the place of our planned event programme in Antwerp, Flanders this year.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the restaurant sector and all those who have stepped up to support the community. From offering meals and delivery services, to those liaising with government officials to protect restaurants and their future, we stand with you all.”
50 Best’s Director of Content William Drew shares his insights on the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 list and awards, including the planning, the challenges and some much-needed optimism from chefs. Take a look at the behind-the-scenes roundup here.
