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In a advise released this afternoon (31 July), the chef acknowledged the most modern lack of diversity in the kitchen of his eponymous debut restaurant, which launched on Golborne Road in London’s Notting Hill last twelve months, and pledged to do more.
He acknowledged: “I am totally dedicated to ensuring diversity in my eating locations, unfortunately we’re no longer achieving this in my kitchens presently and this is an build I do know I want to serve on, making definite it’s miles seen as a welcoming and approachable setting for all.”
It comes after Straker, who rose to prominence during the pandemic by posting recipe movies on Tik Tok and Instagram, posted an image (above) of his white, all-male chef brigade on Instagram last week underneath the caption ‘chef crew assembled’.
The post straight confronted criticism, with several feedback noting the lack of illustration.
One commentator acknowledged: “The main reveal is that in essentially the most diverse metropolis in the area, in the poorest part of the richest borough of the country, no longer perfect regain you managed to hire any feminine chefs but no longer a single POC [person of colour].
“Golborne Road is historically a black/Moroccan/Spanish/ Portuguese community with an incredible history of custom and revolt in the face of adversity. It turned dwelling to essentially the fundamental Moroccan population in England and the house of Windrush families.
“How incredible would or no longer it’s in case you searched that community for younger rising stars who might per chance per chance merely no longer obtain a possibility to flourish otherwise in hospitality.”
Straker initially wrote a comment defending himself and instructed other folks had been overreacting to the picture.
“Truthfully other folks want to peaceable down,” he acknowledged.
“Before everything, there’s a shortage of chefs / hospitality workers.
“Secondly in case you’re feeling so passionately, please hotfoot and net CV’s of any chefs you think we’re missing in the crew. Alternate strategies no longer problems.”
Then again, in his most latest advise, the chef rowed assist on his initial response.
“On Friday night I build up a post of my chef crew and many rightly pointed out the lack of diversity within it,” he acknowledged.
“I am very sorry for my initial response, the build some queried whether I take hang of this reveal severely.”
