TV chef Shannon Bennett ‘disappointed’ with Netflix show Byron Baes

Byron Bay local and chef Shannon Bennett says residents have good reason to be furious over Netflix’s controversial new docusoap, Byron Baes.

Celebrity chef Shannon Bennett has opened up about why Byron Bay locals are against Netflix’s controversial new show Byron Baes.

The former MasterChef guest judge told Confidential that he fears the show will misrepresent his adopted hometown.

TV chef Shannon Bennett.

Byron Baes begins filming this month.

“I think any show in Byron Bay or in any town should be about the truth and unfortunately I’m disappointed because this show is trying to fool people,” he said.

“They’re (pretending) that the people on the show are real, and that it depicts the town but it doesn’t.

“It’s basically trying to depict what Byron life is, but it’s a lie. It’s trying to feed off the name ‘Byron Bay’, which is made up of an incredible community that’s been built up over decades. It’s a great town that has some great stories here, some great entrepreneurs, great people and the show is feeding off of lies.”

Netflix and production company Eureka are launching a new docusoap series about the beachside town, which has sparked complaints from frustrated locals who believe the show will make a mockery of the community and attract the “wrong crowd”.

A paddle out protest was held last month and a petition calling on production to be cancelled has amassed 10,000 signatures.

Filming is expected to begin this month.

Bennett, who is the founder of Vue de monde and Vue Group, moved to Byron Bay from Melbourne with his six children four years ago, following his split with his partner of 13 years former Neighbours star Madeleine West.

Residents turned out in force at Main Beach, Byron Bay for a paddle out in protest against Netflix show Byron Baes on the morning of Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

“I’ve had a house up here for 13 years now and I’ve always wanted to call it home and then when my family situation broke down, the kids and I moved up here,” he said.

“The schools are great, everything up here is great and the lifestyle just reminds me of when I was growing up as a kid back in Melbourne where you could ride your bike to get milk and no one would judge you and kids could just be kids. There’s a great community feeling.

“You couldn’t ask for a better place to bring up kids and have a great family and weather helps as well.”

Bennett, 45, has maintained a good relationship with West, who is the mother of his children and they amicably co-parent.

“I’m having a great time up here and the kids are having a great time. They’ve got great relationships, things are really good,” he said.

Shannon Bennett moved from Melbourne to Byron Bay after his split with former Neighbours actor Madeleine West. Picture: AAP

The entrepreneur, who has been in the luxury dining business for more than 20 years, has found juggling fatherhood with work easier since selling Vue Group four years ago.

He now splits his free time doing charity work and mentoring local up and coming businesses.

“There’s always something to do and I still mentor the guys down at Vue de monde, I love doing that,” he said. “And I’ve got Burnham Beeches in the Dandenong Ranges, I hope one day to be able to do a hotel.”

Bennett’s latest culinary project recently saw him create a pairing menu with Nikka Whisky for World Whisky Day this Saturday at Maybe Sammy cocktail bar and Vue de monde’s Lui Bar.

“The female market is something that whiskey should really appeal to … women are a bit more aware of the different senses with not just the taste but the aromas, too” he said.