Joining efforts to isolate Russia for invading Ukraine, a popular annual ranking of bars and restaurants announced yesterday it would exclude Russian establishments from its award lists this year.
“We can confirm that there will be no Russian establishments included in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022 list or The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 list,” the U.K.-based World’s 50 Best Bars announced. “We do not hold any restaurants or bars individually responsible for the actions of their government and we acknowledge all those in Russia who have bravely denounced the actions of their leaders. Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Ukraine at this time.”
#Worlds50Best pic.twitter.com/4twYJD4UNU
— The World's 50 Best (@TheWorlds50Best) March 7, 2022
Rather than praise, its sweeping statement was met with some harsh criticism, especially from pandemic-battered proprietors who know too well the importance of such rankings, however absurdly based they may be.
“Several bar owners in Russia aren’t at fault here. They are all against the war, which makes them at risk of getting caught for disagreeing with Putin,” Teens of Thailand founder Niks Anuman-Rajadhon wrote on Facebook. “What [The World’s 50 Best] should do is to denounce the war, not hurt these good bars in Russia. It’s a shame and very unprofessional for 50 Best Bars to arrive at this decision.”
Facebooker Enzo de Biasio said it was unfair and stupid.
“It’s not fair. People work so hard for this and for some of them to be in this list is a kind of dream,” he wrote. “Don’t follow this stupid flow.”
The Danish owner of Mikkeller Bangkok, who is donating 100% of profits from three taps to Ukraine, said it was a misfire.
“I get what they’re trying to do, but I’m sure the right thing to do is to attack every Russian out there. … I know Russians here in the brewing industry and none of them support the war,” Rasmussen said.
Jakob said they’ve gotten wide support for their approach.
“Thais, Danes, Ukranians — they’re from all over. It’s been good to see. There were a bunch of Ukrainians in on Saturday. One thing is that we are trying to collect money, but what they appreciate more than anything else is people putting focus and attention on it.”
