- Perth chef bans vegans from restaurant
- Bad experience and review follows
- Move sparked a war of contrasting reviews
A chef has banned vegans from his restaurant after a clash with a disgruntled customer sparked an online war between meat eaters and non-meat eaters.
UK-born celebrity chef John Mountain posted a message on Facebook which read: “Unfortunately all vegans are now banned from Fyre for mental health reasons. Thank you for the understanding. xx’
Fyre is the restaurant that Mr Mountain runs in the northern Perth suburb of Connolly. His statement on social media explained why people who don’t consume food are no longer welcome.
“A young girl contacted me and said she was coming to the restaurant … and asked if there were any vegan options,” he said.
“That was my only downside… I said I’d accommodate her, I said we had gnocchi, vegetables… and that was it.”
On the Saturday in question, Mr Mountain said he forgot about the women’s request because he was busy organizing a private party.
His sous chef wasn’t happy that night and scolded him for “not telling them about the vegan customer”.
On Sunday, the young woman filed a complaint.
“My only option was the veggie dish…it was good but not that filling…and I was shocked to see it cost $32,” she wrote in her complaint via direct message on Facebook, as reported by PerhNow.
“I think it’s extremely important these days that restaurants can accommodate everyone, and not being able to have real plant-based dishes shows your shortcomings as a chef.
“I hope to see some improvements to your menu as I have lived in Connelly for quite some time and have seen many restaurants come and go from this building and none of them are the last.
“If you don’t deal with the weather, I don’t believe your restaurant will be the one that does.”
The restaurant seems to have taken the woman’s complaint to heart.
“As for vegans/vegetarians being a very low minority, especially in the northern suburbs, I’m trying to go along with everyone else,” the response began.
“Thank you for your negative review… please feel free to share your nasty experience and I look forward to seeing you again.
“How very childish.”
“You and all your vegan friends can go and enjoy your meals elsewhere. You are now banned.’
He confirmed his ban in a post responding to a disgruntled Google Reviews contributor.
“But if you beautiful vegans want to band together and destroy my business, then good luck, go ahead, let’s see what my customers think,” he wrote.
“And from now on, ALL vegans are banned from my restaurant. Thank you for your disgusting review and please enjoy Currambine. xx’
These responses led to a flurry of competing one-star and five-star reviews on Google between those expressing displeasure with Mr Mountain’s stance and those supporting the restaurant.
Mr Mountain told PerthNow that negative reviews “really hurt business”.
“Damn you vegans seriously…I’m done. At the end of the day, that’s not what I want to do, they can get away with it.”
One review provided a lengthy lecture on why Mr. Mountain should serve vegan meals.
“In today’s society, the demand for vegan options is on the rise,” the review says.
“Providing vegan options is not only vital to meet individual dietary preferences, but also provides an opportunity for businesses to target a wider market and increase revenue.”
However, many reviews simply rated the restaurant as “one star” and gave no reasons, prompting Mr Mountain to respond.
‘Oh my. All ten one star reviews,” he wrote.
“Unfortunately we do not cater particularly for vegans, although I have unfortunately agreed to cater for our customers’ needs.
“But the other night I had a huge outdoor catering gig that ruined their night. The vegan in question decided to be very personal about my ‘inabilities’ as a cook and so I was a bit harsh with her response.’
When questioned by another reviewer, he gave this response: “Oh my god. I do my best on a daily basis to change the menu to suit people’s requirements.
“But when they tell me I’m going bankrupt because I don’t cater to vegans, then we’re done. Rudeness isn’t half of what I really feel.
There were unabashed supporters of his position who consistently gave the restaurant a five-star rating, helping it maintain its four-star average.
“I’m in love with food. I especially like the fact that the menu doesn’t waste space for a vegan option,” wrote one person.
“All trees saved by this choice reduce our nations impact on global CO2 levels.”
Others objected to using “fake reviews” as a weapon.
“Trying to tear down a business with reviews is disgusting as you not only hurt the owners but also the respectable people who work there and try to make a living to provide for their family,” wrote a reviewer.
“These people work ridiculous hours and deal with stupid requests and requests from people like you who refuse to read a menu before dinner.
“If you know you’re hard to look after, then buy a bag of chickpeas, paint a face on them and maybe you’ll have a friend.”
“I know a lot of vegans who understand that businesses do market research before they open their restaurants in certain areas to cater to the majority. I will make my reservation soon.’
“Emotions seemed to run high on both sides,” wrote a would-be peacemaker.
“Both parties have shown valid reasons for this (both were emotional people, one felt defrauded of money and time, the other felt personally attacked).
“I hope you can remove all these reviews from Google. Without of course the initial review from an actual unhappy customer, if one remains.
Mr Mountain has lived in Australia for seven years after arriving from Britain, where he was a celebrity chef who shared an agent with culinary superstar Jamie Oliver.
He has appeared on cookery shows Great British Menu and Chef Race UK v US.
He has also worked with culinary pioneers Heston Blumenthal at the original acclaimed Fat Duck restaurant in Berkshire, England, as well as the cheeky three Michelin star Marco Pierre White in London’s Mayfair.