Good Food revokes Moonah award, hats, score

Victorian restaurant Moonah has been stripped of a prestigious award and its associated “two hats” after an investigation by this masthead unearthed allegations of bullying, racism and the supply of alcohol to underage staff by head chef Tobin Kent.

This masthead on Saturday revealed multiple former employees of the fine-dining restaurant had experienced bullying by Kent so severe they required psychological treatment.

Former staff at top restaurant Moonah have made allegations of poor treatment.Credit: Monique Westerman

Moonah’s The Age 2025 Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year award will be revoked, along with having its score and two hats retracted.

“According to the criteria published in the Good Food Guide, the Restaurant of the Year must be a leader in its field, set benchmarks for food and service, and push the hospitality industry forward,” Head of Good Food Sarah Norris said in a statement.

“Hospitality means looking after people, but if there are serious allegations a venue isn’t looking after its staff, no matter how great the experience is for guests, we can’t recommend it. This is not a decision we took lightly.”

A disclaimer will also be added to Moonah’s review in the Good Food app informing readers of the investigation.

Kent engaged lawyers and issued a statement defending his business, a 12-seat venue that has been celebrated for the innovative cooking styles since opening in 2020.

“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,” he said.

The investigation involved interviews with several parents of current and former employees who said they were shocked and concerned to learn their underage daughters had been supplied alcohol while on shift. In response, Kent said all staff were required to complete training, which includes wine sampling.

Following questions from this masthead, Liquor Control Victoria is investigating whether any laws have been broken.

The decision to revoke Moonah’s hats and award comes as the Australian hospitality industry undergoes scrutiny of workplace culture.

This masthead published several investigations last year into the country’s largest venues, including Swillhouse and Merivale, finding allegations of widespread failures to protect staff from sexual harassment.

Good Food has since introduced new policies and measures to avoid promoting venues with poor culture, and promote venues that are doing the right thing.

The publication was criticised online after Moonah won its award in November, and there were heckles from some members of the crowd during the prize ceremony at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne.

The disclaimer added to the Good Food app’s review of Moonah will link to the original story and list the actions taken against the venue.

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