Instead, the awards will take place in Antwerp in Flanders, Belgium in 2021, circumstances permitting.
This year 50 Best, the organisation behind the awards, says it will use its platform to promote and design ‘meaningful initiatives’ that support the restaurant sector following the outbreak of coronavirus.
“Given the circumstances globally, we will put all our efforts into helping the restaurant sector to fight for its future, as well as assisting in the work that leading chefs and restaurateurs are themselves doing to help others,” says William Drew, director of content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
“We stand united with the restaurant sector at this unprecedented time. 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.”
Further details of the planned initiatives will be announced in the coming months.