In a statement released this afternoon (31 July), the chef acknowledged the current lack of diversity in the kitchen of his eponymous debut restaurant, which launched on Golborne Road in London’s Notting Hill last year, and pledged to do more.
He said: “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.”
It comes after Straker, who rose to prominence during the pandemic by posting recipe videos on Tik Tok and Instagram, posted a picture (above) of his white, all-male chef brigade on Instagram last week under the caption ‘chef team assembled’.
The post immediately faced criticism, with several comments noting the lack of representation.
One commentator said: “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 [person of colour].
“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.”
Straker initially wrote a comment defending himself and suggested people were overreacting to the picture.
“Honestly people need to calm down,” he said.
“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.”
However, in his most recent statement, the chef rowed back on his initial response.
“On Friday night I put up a post of my chef team and many rightly pointed out the lack of diversity within it,” he said.
“I am very sorry for my initial response, where some queried whether I take this issue seriously.”