On Saturday January 11, the Age published an investigative report by journalist Charlotte Grieve. In it, former staff members at Moonah, a 12-seat fine diner in Connewarre, accuse owner and chef Tobin Kent of bullying and racism.
Kent denies the allegations, stating, “I am committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace at Moonah. I reject the contention that Moonah has cultural issues and to the extent that there have been issues in the past, I have worked hard to ensure they are not repeated and that staff feel safe, included and supported.”
Amy Tsai, who worked at Moonah in 2021, told the Age, “The treatment at Moonah was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced – unethical and appalling, far beyond what anyone should endure in the workplace.” She says she developed anxiety while working at the restaurant. Adam Bowditch, who worked at Moonah across 2021–22, supported Tsai’s claim, stating, “He would do a walk like her, do Asian squinty eyes.”
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SIGN UPKent, who is of Asian heritage himself, denies allegations of racism. “I abhor racism and reject any suggestion I have acted in a racist way towards either staff or guests,” he said.
Bowditch also alleged Kent screamed at him and other staff members on numerous occasions, “You could never pick when he was going to yell at you,” he told the Age. A third former staff member, Shaynesha Page, who worked at the restaurant for five months across 2022 and 2023, said, “It was every day he was laying into people … Making degrading comments to staff members.” Page says she started taking anti-anxiety medication while at Moonah, while Bowditch says the experience of working there impacted his mental health.
A number of current and former staffers also defended Kent against the allegations. “I’ve never witnessed him raise his voice, become angry or swear,” employee Francine Achile told the masthead.
Kent added, “Like many chefs, I am increasingly aware of the need for care and empathy when providing feedback to staff; in a fine-dining service environment, with clients holding high expectations, this is often required in a blunt but always professional manner.
“The attrition rate in fine-dining restaurants is swayed by staff who are not able to work under such high pressure and to such high standards. In 15 years of being a chef, I have never been the subject of an investigation into bullying and I have never received a formal complaint about bullying and harassment regarding my conduct.”
The Age also published accusations that Kent supplied alcohol to underage staff, including one worker who was 14. “The beverage culture at Moonah encourages a safe environment for staff of all ages,” Kent said in a statement. “All staff at Moonah occasionally sample wine … for specific service-related purposes: quality control, wine-list training and tastings.” The masthead reports that Moonah is currently under investigation by Liquor Control Victoria, as supplying minors with alcohol even for training purposes is an offence.
As a result of Grieve’s reporting, on Saturday January 11, the masthead revoked two awards it presented to the restaurant in November 2024, including The Age 2025 Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression or anxiety, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
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