UK-born celebrity chef John Mountain has stirred up a heated online debate after he took the bold step of banning vegans from his restaurant, Fyre, located in the northern Perth suburb of Connolly. The decision came after a clash with a dissatisfied vegan customer sparked a fierce argument between supporters of meat consumption and non-meat eaters.
The incident began when a young woman contacted Mr. Mountain to inquire about vegan options at his establishment. While admitting that vegan dishes were not his strong suit, he assured her that he could accommodate her with gnocchi and vegetables. However, due to a busy schedule catering a private party, the chef forgot about her request. This slip-up prompted a complaint from the disappointed customer, who expressed her belief that modern restaurants should cater to all dietary preferences and criticized Mr. Mountain’s perceived shortcomings as a chef.
In response, Fyre’s official Facebook account lashed out at the customer, dismissing her negative review and announcing a ban on all vegans. This decision was reiterated in subsequent online exchanges, further fueling the raging debate between those condemning the chef’s actions and those supporting his right to operate his business as he sees fit.
The ban triggered a flurry of contrasting one-star and five-star reviews on Google, with individuals expressing their either disapproval or solidarity. Mr. Mountain lamented the negative impact of these reviews on his business, voicing his frustration with vegans and vowing to move on from the controversy.
Supporters of the chef argue that vegan options are not a necessity and applaud Fyre for its unapologetic stance against catering to non-meat eaters. They praise the menu’s focus on carnivorous delights and even suggest that the absence of vegan dishes helps reduce the restaurant’s carbon footprint.
On the other hand, critics argue that providing vegan options is essential in today’s society, citing the rising demand for plant-based meals. They contend that accommodating dietary preferences not only caters to a broader customer base but also has the potential to increase revenue for businesses.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mountain’s disdain for negative reviews and his perception of personal attacks from vegan customers have fueled his determination to stand by his decision. He defends his commitment to adapt the menu to suit various requirements but draws the line at being told his business will fail due to a lack of vegan options.
John Mountain, a well-known figure in the culinary world, has enjoyed a successful career in both the UK and Australia. With his previous experience alongside renowned chefs such as Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, he has gained recognition through appearances on popular cooking shows such as The Great British Menu and Chef Race UK v US.
A celebrity chef is making waves after controversially banning vegans from his restaurant in Perth’s northern suburbs.
John Mountain says a fired up customer sparked the move in a bid to protect his own mental health. @erin_harwood #9News pic.twitter.com/NzgQHfZrxA
— 9News Perth (@9NewsPerth) June 20, 2023
