50 Best has announced that it is postponing The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020, with a view to host the event in 2021 in Antwerp, Flanders.
The event was due to take place on 2 June 2020, but recent circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have led to the decision to move the event. This announcement also means that 50 Best will not release its annual list in ranked format this year.
“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,” said William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
In place of the global gastronomic gathering, 50 Best 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,” said 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.”
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