When it was first announced that this year’s World's 50 Best ceremony had been moved from Moscow to London, most people probably assumed it would be a relatively cool affair. However, the UK was plunged into its worst-ever heatwave for the twentieth edition of the annual Oscars-esque event, making its sponsors, San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, seem particularly apt. Nevertheless, the black-tie ceremony remained as glamorous as ever, with legendary chefs, restaurateurs, journalists and some of the world’s biggest food and drink brands flocking from all corners of the globe to hear the little-known Stanley Tucci announce the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world.
Whilst the list doesn’t tend to throw up as many surprises as some other restaurant awards, it’s always tricky to predict who will take the number one spot, given that every restaurant included is serving faultless, innovative food - this year was no different. Ultimately it was Rasmus Kofoed’s exquisite restaurant Geranium that topped the list, replacing fellow Copenhagen institution Noma (who were not eligible, having won last year) as number one. From a British point of view, Jeremy Chan’s incomparable Ikoyi found its way into the top 50 for the first time at number 49, while top 50 stalwart The Clove Club came in at 35; meanwhile, there were nods for Lyle’s, Brat, and Santiago Lastra’s Kol in the 50-100 list.