Following accusations of abuse from staff, Michelin starred chef Tom Kitchin says he as ‘nothing to hide’.
Last year former employees called out the celebrity chef for creating a culture in his restaurants that was abusive, highlighting a string of incidents were team members claimed they were verbally and physically assaulted.
Speaking about the allegations, Kitchin has told the Daily Mail that in the past things haven’t always been handled well, saying, 'Yes, there have been moments in the past where the way I acted was not correct.
‘Shouting and screaming at someone over a carrot....because it's not cut correctly. Do I shout and scream like that now? No, I do not and the way I was then is not acceptable in today's modern world and I put my hand up to that.'
Last year, allegations were initially made via an anonymous Instagram account, with claims reported to both the Guardian and the Times newspapers, which were also then picked up by the BBC. Former workers shared stories which included allegations of violence, bullying and sexual harassment at Kitchin’s premises.
One story recalled a woman being burned after handing in her notice. The post read: ‘The head pastry chef decided to heat a tray in the oven for 20mins, take it out with a pair of tongs when it was dangerously hot, and press it up against her arm from behind whilst he grabbed her. He then said “there’s something to remember us by”… the rest of us worked on in fear of losing our jobs. Tom Kitchin never batted an eyelid while this sh*t went on.’
After it gained publicity, the Instagram account – which only published stories from unnamed sources – prompted the suspension of two team members at Tom Kitchin’s restaurants. Following the complaints, Kitchin and his wife arranged for an independent investigation to be undertaken by an external HR firm. This noted that there were 'some examples of a macho culture' and the report has since been the catalyst for updates in employment terms at the Kitchins' hospitality group. Changes include introducing a mental health helpline for staff, allowing for four-day weeks where possible and increasing salaries. The husband-and-wife team were also criticised for keeping staff tips, something that they say the will not do anymore.
'We've been through a nightmare but, if one positive has come out of it, it has made us look at every part of our business. I'm determined to make this the number one hospitality place to work and the best restaurant we can.’ Kitchin said.
'I used to apply the same rules for everyone and that is completely not the way to work. Everyone is an individual and I accept you need to treat everyone individually.'
'This is a new chapter for us... Before, I was always chasing culinary accolades but I'm now hell-bent on winning a good employer award – that would make me really proud.'
At the time of the allegations coming to light, in July last year, the BBC published Kitchin’s own response, with the chef saying his venues could be ‘high-pressure, frenetic and challenging’ where ‘emotions often run high’ - but added that he would ‘remedy’ the scenarios where the team had ‘fallen short’. He said: ‘The exacting standards of our food and service must be matched by the standards of behaviour in our kitchens and wider operations.’
‘In the last few years, the feedback from our team members underlines the significant strides we've taken to improve what had often been a traditional culture in our kitchens, but we have more to do.’
Critics said the statement at the time didn't go far enough to make amends. Respected chef Asma Khan (who runs the Darjeeling Express in London) responded to say, ‘Is this the apology? Or did I miss it? There is a practical solution - If the heat of the kitchen is too much - get out of the kitchen. Do not physically attack your colleagues. It is so simple.’
Forty-four-year-old Kitchin runs a clutch of restaurants in Edinburgh – including The Kitchin, which has retained its Michelin star for fourteen consecutive years. Many called for the chef to be stripped of the accolade.
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