Calcot Manor denies culture of bullying

Calcot Manor and Spa have issued a statement in response to an incident in which a chef Allegedly had boiling liquid poured down his trousers whilst working in the hotel's kitchen.

Nathan Davies, a 22-year-old chef took to Facebook on the weekend, sharing images of his injuries. He claimed to have been working at Calcot Manor for two years, during which he suffered "constant burning, punching (some causing black eyes) and being forced to eat items ranging from rabbit shit to raw chicken."

The young chef claimed that he was forced to work against his doctor's recommendations, and that he hoped to raise awareness of how dangerous being in a kitchen can be. 

Unsurprisingly, the incident caused a massive outpouring on social media, such as the following Tweet by chef Calum Franklin: 

"why are you trying to get me sacked?" I hope you are sacked faster than lightning, prosecuted and never employed in this industry again you absolute piece of shit https://t.co/n9duM7y5ZZ

— calum franklin (@chefcalum) July 13, 2019

While some implied that it was executive chef Richard Davies was behind the incident, or that it was his responsibility as it happened under his watch, he claims to have had no knowledge of the incident. The head chef alleged to have injured the young chef is said to have been immediately suspended pending an investigation and subsequently dismissed as per the following statements issued by Calcot Manor and Richard Davies:  

 

With regard to an extremely disturbing recent employee incident at Calcot, resulting in social media posts and a very high level of messages and comments this weekend, we sincerely hope that this public Statement helps clarify the elements queried…https://t.co/lMONjFPshB

— Calcot & Spa (@Calcot_and_Spa) July 14, 2019

"I have been following some of the recent posts on social media which has been very concerning for myself and the whole team at Calcot. First and foremost I am deeply sorry, embarrassed and mortified that this has happened in one of my kitchens and for what Nathan has had to mentally and physically endure as a result." 

I would like to say thank you to those that have messaged with kind words and support, it really does mean a lot, please see below response to recent social media posts R x pic.twitter.com/egKIFEhL2v

— Richard Davies (@davies_chef) July 14, 2019

The Staff Canteen has reached out to the young chef and to executive chef Richard Davies for comment. We will update this story as it develops.