Rupali Dean
22-May-2025
In conversation with William Drew, Director of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Embarking on a culinary journey is much like flipping through the pages of a living storybook, where every dish tells its own tale. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, a prestigious hallmark of culinary excellence, showcases a unique blend of flavours, culture, and innovation. William Drew, the driving force behind this gastronomic compass, believes that storytelling lies at the heart of every great dining experience, shaping culinary perceptions on a global scale.
When you think of dining at the world’s elite establishments, what images come to mind? Perhaps exquisite dishes expertly plated, or the clinking of glasses amidst an ambiance soaked in luxury. Yet, as I settled into conversation with William Drew, Director of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, it became clear that behind every ranking on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants lies a richer tapestry. From his early beginnings as the editor of style magazine ‘Arena’ to his current role managing content across digital channels and live events, Drew’s career reflects a deep dedication to celebrating culinary excellence. As preparations are on for the next glittering awards gala in Turin on 19th June 2025, Drew’s passion for gastronomy shines brighter than ever. Drew discusses how the magic of dining extends beyond the plate, driven by narratives of creativity and heritage that connect diners to the soul of each meal. As the face of the globally celebrated 50 Best organisation for more than a decade, Drew has experienced firsthand the essence of many establishments featured on these coveted lists. It’s not just about what lands on the plate; it’s about the stories woven into each ingredient, each chef’s background, and how these narratives shape our culinary perceptions. Drew emphasised that dining today is a multifaceted experience that thrives not solely on taste but on an emotional connection.
FOOD, CULTURE, STORY TELLING UNITED
As the sun gleamed through the tall windows of my office in Delhi, I sat across from William Drew, the man behind the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, over a Zoom call. He exudes a palpable passion for food, and it quickly becomes apparent that this isn’t just a job for him; it’s a lifelong love affair with gastronomy. ‘Storytelling is everything,’ he asserts, leaning in as he speaks. ‘Dining is an experience, and like any great narrative, it connects us. Take Gaggan, for instance. His restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a journey through Indian culture in a theatrical setting. Each course is a chapter, rich with history and emotion.’ Drew’s insights unravel the delicate threads that connect dining to deep-rooted cultural identities. ‘Over the last decade, the global gastronomic scene has blossomed into a mosaic of culinary heritages. We’re no longer confined to Western paradigms of fine dining; instead, we’re embracing influences from Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. It’s an exciting evolution.”
CULINARY ROOTS REDEFINED
(In Image: Roca Brothers)
His eyes twinkle as he speaks, particularly when discussing the culinary masterminds shaping these trends. The Roca brothers emerge as a source of admiration—humble yet world-renowned, they remain fiercely dedicated to their roots in Girona, Spain. ‘Their commitment to their hometown is inspiring,’ Drew explains, ‘In a world full of noise and chaos, they’ve chosen to stay grounded, focusing on their local community while still celebrating culinary brilliance.’ As our conversation dove deeper into the industry’s future, Drew outlined a compelling vision: ‘We’re witnessing a shift where sustainability moves from being an add-on to becoming integral to a restaurant’s identity. It’s no longer enough to simply offer organic options; establishments are now being built upon holistic practices, ensuring every facet of their operation is conscientious and respectful.’ In the age of hyper-personalisation, diners expect more than just exemplary food. ‘People want connections,’ he emphasises. ‘They’re not just looking for what's on the plate; they crave a relationship, a sense of belonging.’ This push for authenticity has transformed dining into a more casual affair while still maintaining professionalism—a harmonious blend of intimacy and nicety.
A JOURNEY OF FLAVOURS
Drew’s role as a director of the World’s 50 Best insights offers him a front-row seat to emerging culinary narratives. Yet, with privilege comes responsibility. ‘Diversity and fairness are paramount in our selection process,’ he says. ‘We strive to represent various cultures and experiences in our academy chairs and food hunters. It’s not just about recognizing excellence; it’s about ensuring every voice in the culinary world is heard.’ His enthusiasm for Indian cuisine, often under-represented on global stages, shines through. ‘India offers some of the finest dishes you’ll ever encounter, yet we’re not seeing enough of those gems appearing on the international radar,’ he observes. ‘But there’s potential; the likes of the JKS restaurant group have started to change perceptions, elevating Indian cuisine’s status. It’s a thrilling unfolding story; Gymkhana and so forth have changed the way people are looking into cuisine, and contemporary interpretations of Indian cuisine have new respect. And that’s not just in the UK; that’s happening around the world. I’m certainly seeing it in New York, as well.’ Finally, Drew leans back, contemplating the human element in gastronomy. ‘Food is culture, and every bite reveals the essence of a place and its people. As we navigate through these stories, we connect not just through taste but through shared experiences, revealing the beautiful relationship between food and humanity.’ The world of gastronomy continues to turn, and as the stories unfold, the appetite for discovery grows ever more insatiable. The table is set for an extraordinary culinary adventure.
(Awarded the ‘Best food writer in the country’ by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.)
Evolved from an idea, Pinnacle Connect is growing into a well-established media house with expertise in areas of Publishing, Digital Media, Events and Representations. With a wide experience in luxury brands and client management Pinnacle stands by with its ultimate objective to reach the elite audience.
