Update: This morning Straker posted an Insta story apologising for his initial response, adding: "I am absolutely committed to ensuring diversity in my restaurants, unfortunately we aren't achieving this in my kitchens currently and this is an area I know I need to improve on, making sure it is seen as a welcoming and approachable environment for all."
When chef Thomas Straker posted a photo of his kitchen team on Instagram at the weekend, it's fair to say he probably didn't expect to unleash a social storm. But that is exactly what followed.
The photos, you see, show what looks to be an identity parade of white male chefs in a row. There are no women, no people of colour and Straker's many followers were quick to point out the glaring lack of diversity in his team.
As one commenter, tcblu, put it: "The main issue is that in the most diverse city in the world, in the poorest part of the richest borough of the country, not only have you managed to hire any female chefs but not a single POC. Golborne Road is historically a black/Moroccan/Spanish/ Portuguese community with an incredible history of culture and rebellion in the face of adversity. It became home to the largest Moroccan population in England and the home of Windrush families. How incredible would it be if you searched that community for young rising stars who may not get a chance to flourish otherwise in hospitality."
Others defended the chef saying: "If they’re the best for the job then they’re the best for the job. The rave reviews certainly show that’s the case."
Straker himself responded to all the criticism saying: "Honestly people need to calm down. Firstly there is a shortage of chefs/hospitality workers. Secondly if you feel so passionately please go and gather CV’s of any chefs you think we’re missing in the team. Solutions not problems. Thank you."
But this rather passive-aggressive response, as you might have expected, only served to stoke the fire. And it prompted bestselling author Otegha Uwagba to remind the chef of this contradictory statement: "In a Nov 2022 interview with GQ you said 'We haven’t struggled with staff,' Straker tells me. 'Not blowing my own trumpet, but it’s really helped that I have a profile online, to pull in chefs'. So which is it?"
One thing's for sure, whoever represents the chef has come into work this morning with one hell of a PR headache. Hopefully, the net result will be a bit of soul-searching for Straker's (and other restaurants) about improving diversity in the kitchen.
More about Straker's
Where is it? 91 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NL
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @strakers__
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