Kenyans working at The Hemingways in Karen are unhappy lot. There is one person who spoils the day for all the workers at the facility. His name is Barry Tonks (on Twitter as @BarryTonks) who was employed by the Hemingways from the Bonds Restaurant in London. Barry has fits of rage where he calls the black Kenyans working at the premier hotel all manner of names (cunts, fucking twats, cavemen, calls a bartender black pudding coz he’s dark).
And as if that’s not enough, he throws plates and anything near him to whoever cooked it if it’s not good enough for him. People here are living in fear but no one wants to speak up.
Barry punishes the poor workers for trivial things that do not amount to any form of misconduct by making them work 12 hour shifts with no compensation for extra hours. A senior chef once took him on about him going against the working terms of peoples contracts of 8-hour days. He responded by saying, “I don’t fucking care.” Even after being told how illegal this is. He has fired (unprocedurally) three chefs in the three months.
Barry Tonks on The Trend with Larry Madowo
Just last Friday saw another incident where Barry Tonk’s second in command assaulted a female chef. Barry is personally working to cover this up by accusing the female chef of “provoking” his assistant. No one is willing to stand up to him because his is an expatriate and has created an environment where he is king. But the people he’s fired and shoved around are willing to tell their stories.
He treats people with contempt and insults us as a hobby. Workers at the facility have reported the assault on women to FIDA but even the organisation which claims to protect women is not listening to the poor workers.
In one of the recent incidences, a junior chef got a cut on the fingers and needed first aid. The chef was informed that Barry Tonks removed all first aid kits from the kitchen because “the black cunts” don’t deserve such and the nearest they can access is at the security desk because “the black cunts might want to steal the kit anyway.” Barry Tonks as the head chef has been told to have a first aid kit in the kitchen. He won’t hear any of that. Barry also say that the poor black workers don’t deserve sick offs because he has never fallen ill in his working life so we’re just playing around.
Another employee also injured his back and was advised by a doctor to rest a week.The chef told him to be back in 3 days. Another colleague was mugged and beaten badly, (because he left work at around midnight but the staff transport would not reach his gate) came to work limping and asked to be given a few days off and the chef just made fun of him. The staff in the kitchen who are working in a high risk area have no insurance whatsoever.
Please let’s rise up and demand that Hemingways either punish or sack this racist twat called Barry Tonks
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Better still. ..why does he still have a work permit
Am sorry why is he still empolyed in this establishment .am sure he cannot behave like that back on Uk .the workers should stage a walk out and demand his sacking .I cannot stand bullys at the work place .
So you want ‘us’ to send him back home?
Your question is astounding….what would you recommend the workers do?….pple like you make me sick.
You cant judge a one sided story boss
My dear, just becoz its not happening to you, doesn’t mean its not happening to someone else. Its time Africans started thinking as a collective and not on individual basis. What’s killing our continent is people looking out for themselves only and to hell with everyone else. Boss, when you visit Europe, they don’t care which country you come from, they will treat you with barely concealed contempt or condensation as long as you’re black. This guy may be doing it as a joke, perhaps he doesn’t mean it when he talks like that…but that’s the kind of thing that perpetuates racism. Each and every African deserves to be treated with respect and dignity no matter their station in life. We have our forefathers to thank for selling some of our own to slavery, we are still grappling with their selfish actions centuries later. We have an opportunity to reclaim our lost glory, if we can stand together and speak up against this kind of crap. This stereotype of Africans being portrayed as lazy, inefficient, illiterate and ignorant has to stop.
Mkenya I SALUTE YOU !!
Someone alert immigration dept and the doctors. We could be dealing with a mental case here as this is in human
Wow, Twats, black pudding and black cunts?? Is this dude living in his own Eutopia, whose country is he in anyway? I don’t care what his skills are he is in our Country, just look at the color of the skin of those around you if you require further clarification Mr. Tonks!
Hemingways have responded as follows on twitter:
HemingwaysCollection @HemingwaysKE
We have noted with concern the allegations made against Chef Barry. We are handling it according to our internal HR Procedures.
As they should!
They are responding to it by intimidating the workers who complained against Barry Tonks. Hearing the audio of what the workers are being told makes one sick of the management of Hemingways
You have to be the most confused being I’ve met. One minute ur in Kenya the next you’re in texas?? Get outta here
One wonders why you are defending this establishment so violently ? Almost on the verge of going on a killing spree. Are you a shareholder, married to this chef or a person seeking future employment opportunities there ?
and who exactly are you? What is your name? Post evidence, names etc of the people you got this info from. Did you try contacting Mr Tonks for comment? Oh sorry, no your role is to jump on the bandwagon. What you allege may be right, but your blog is a piece of trash. Not exactly quality journalism. Which chef refuses a first aid kit? You have to be completely stupid to write this stuff without at least FACT CHECKING.
What facts have you checked yourself???….I’ve been a victim of racism and let me tell you, some people don’t need a reason to treat others like shit, let alone be logical and practical about safety matters….I’d recommend an investigation be done on this chef before you ropoka like that.
I have worked there and i have seen it all, so Mr.Baboon, you don’t know shit! All that is said here and more not here is very true!
I SALUTE YOU TOO!!
omg!!!….this is happening in my country????
No he’s not! ! He’s married to a kenyan lady and has two kids so if he was racist he would have started with them. I know Barry personally and if anything he just has a temper when under pressure and when things aren’t done right. Other than that I’ve never seen the racist side of him for the past 8years that I’ve known him(and im black too)
You can’t judge him by what the staff are saying. Get his side of the story. These people hate him because he’s a perfectionist so they bound to say whatever! ! I sympathies with the workers if they feel that but I also call my white colleagues cave men and that’s doesn’t mean im racist ,I only do it when im frustrated! ! ! There’re two sides of a coin.
“You can’t judge him by what the staff are saying”
actually you can. see, there are these little things called “corroboration” and “preponderance of evidence” that help us come to clear conclusions. if that wasn’t bad enough, you would have us believe that YOUR word is better than those of the people who have to deal with him daily for hours on end. indeed, we need to hear his side of the story but don’t insult our intelligence by pissing on our heads and telling us its raining.
STFUP and have a sit! No one is insulting your intelligence. .
Yes i said you can’t judge him by what the staff are saying because if I had a way to get back to my previous managers for firing me I would say whatever to get back at them. N my word is not better than theirs, this is a simple word know as “opinion” It’s my opinion just as you have yours!!
….again with the name calling…eiish!
Hahaha!!….I like u dude!…u’ve made my day.
Discrimination & racist behaviour & attitudes are illegal in Kenya as of 27th August, 2013 Its no excuse to behave in this manner just because you have a bad temper. Sorry he has to pack his bags & go home to behave that way there otherwise he needs #angermanagement therapy asap. Perfectionism does not give you the right to mistreat others. Even Gordon Ramsey was warned to tone down his verbal assaults. The law only has one side, the right side.
Have you been there to witness his racism? Or is it just what angry employees whove been fired are saying? ?or is it the lies your perfect blogger is posting!!http://www.nairobiexposed.com/2013/06/04/kahawa-tungu-blogger-exposed/
So have a seat and shut up
No to shut up is to let an alleged crime go unattended. You do not have to be in attendence to understand. This is why Kenya is the way it is. People keep quiet when they should speak up. It is a crime whether you attended or not. People committing crimes dont exactly send out invitations to others to witness this. Lies can come from either camp. Its the person who is being accused who has to face Kenyans. Where you present btw ? Next time have some netiquette and understand you dont tell others to shut up online. That is infantile & very immature. The internet is free & so are you hopefully.
First you begged a journalist to call a blogger to help remove this story and now you are trying to justify the actions of the racist Barry Tonks with hirelings. The fact that Barry Tonks fucks you doesn’t mean that he respects African. Someone doesn’t stop being a racist just because he fucks someone from the race he is accused of hating.
Respond to Barry Tonks issue with facts. The blogger has mentioned specific incidents. Why not respond to the article with what the excuses of your fucker are regarding the specific incidents.
Why did Barry Tonks run away? Why is he threatening workers at Hemingway that he will use his “friends at Kroll Associates” to punish the worker who leaked the issue to the media. We have further audio of what some managers are saying to the staff. Kindly stop the cheap shots and address the issues.
Hahaha another illiterate on here. . Bcz im standing up for him im fucking him. . Go back to school and understand the definition of friendship!! ! And im not giving shots u idiot and no one called this stupid blogger so u go ur stories right too! You want facts how about you read these fact
http://www.nairobiexposed.com/2013/06/04/kahawa-tungu-blogger-exposed/ about your trusted blogger bum bitch
Now, instead of helping ur ‘friend’, you’re actually hurting him….name calling doesn’t help, it only serves to chip away at your credibility.
Makes no difference if he seeks the services of Kroll Associates. They probably will sue him for misusing their name. To threaten anyone in Kenya is a crime. Let him know that too. We have #connections too if he wants to meet people of might.
He’s threatening the staff???? hahaha!! omg!….guy is getting desperate. U know, I think somebody needs to monitor, if anyone gets fired from Hemmingways over this issue, then we should be alerted….#they should know pple!
Did they sue? Or they still will?
Wanjiku, just because he’s married to an African woman doesn’t mean he’s not racist. If there’s even a grain of truth in this accusations, then he needs to be deported ASAP!….we cannot tolerate racism both inside and outside our country. If he feels we’re too stupid and slow for him, then he should quit!….I live in Nairobi and I’ve seen many interracial marriages (some of them to my own friends) and I’ll tell you a racist doesn’t change his traits simply coz he’s banging (xcuse my language)a black chic. Most treat their spouses with barely concealed contempt and condensation and undermine them at every turn. So, it wouldn’t surprise me if this guy takes that attitude to work. Most white folks married to black chics have their own insecurity issues and take every opportunity to take them out on them. So, pls, lets look for another reason why Barrry whats-his-name is not a racist, but not this one.
Mkenya…this country is also home to those who quite happily chopped the heads off Kyuks n Luos n Kales cos they voted differently. Alongside other atrocities. Thats about 16 million times worse than uttering racist slurs in anger or whatever. But ofcourse, all hail to you, its your view or the highway. PS Mr Serengu, ati we r the same person. Pls focus on how you will get to Vision 2030 if you are having problems decoding IPs. Now..lemme return to my koffee. Pass the sugar, AlexWanjiku
What’s your point?…what does one incident have to do with the other?….So, we’re to sit back and allow foreigners to demean and hate on us because we have inter-tribal issues to sort out?…that’s the most skewed thinking I’ve ever heard!…Listen, if you want to keep kissing white butt, then go ahead and do so, but don’t expect the rest of us to go along. I stand for respect on both sides. Jomo Kenyatta said it very well when he was prime minister, he saw no reason why whites and blacks shouldn’t share the wealth of this country as long as both treated each other with respect. I believe we’ve kept our end of the bargain, but has some white folks?…I don’t think so, most continue to feel like they’re more superior to us. Of course you and AlexWanjiku have a right to have a different opinion, such is life….luckily, there are fewer and fewer of you. #tyrannyofnumbers. That dude should go…as am sure he will.
I have worked in this hotel and i can tell you more shit goes down in that kitchen, the chefs are in fear that they will loose f they went against the British chef. This guy i can describe him as MAD!
He even chases away magazines which seek to interview black chefs. When guests ask to meet the chef who prepared a certain dish he can’t allow the black chefs to meet them, he takes all the credit. He has even brainwashed the so called assistant who is black and treats the juniors like shit.. The strong guys have quit and others can only take it in as they need the job. The owner Mr. Dicky Evans should do something..
The irony of it all is his wife is Kenyan so it even beats logic!
Omg!!!…that’s so sad!..thanks for sharing
Why can’t the twat called @alexandrawanjiku:disqus reply to this? People share real experiences
i worked in the place for two weeks and its true that Barry rilly talks shit to people like they are nothing
Sorry my felow blacks employees working with that idiot call himself a chef i live and work in Canada he comes here will be working with his mouth shut coz we dont tolerate that kind of behavour in this best country in the world he ill b kicked of country by the way i make better pay than him,sign a petion every so he can go back to britain where they live like shit
So you have lived and worked in Canada huh? Where in Canada? and what industry? so please hush!!! You know nothing about working in the kitchen. I grew up in hamilton Ontario, went to prep school in Columbia international in Hamilton Ontario , did my underground next door in Macmaster university and my masters in Kellog Northwestern all the while working in the most influential restaurants in Toronto . Please dude stop showing your macho nonsense that you live in Canada . Bring what you have achieved in Kenya .
Withdrawal operating licence for this restraurant, charge the criminal chef in court and thereafter deport him. The niew operating licence should be granted on condition all ills done are corrected, those fired reinstated
Google the definition of criminal before using it loosely! !!!
Its criminal to discriminate based on color or one’s heritage.
crim·i·nal
ˈkrimənl/Submit
noun
1.
a person who has committed a crime.
“these men are dangerous criminals”
synonyms: lawbreaker, offender, villain, delinquent, felon, convict, malefactor, wrongdoer, culprit, miscreant; More
adjective
adjective: criminal
1.
of or relating to a crime.
“he is charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage”
synonyms: unlawful, illegal, illicit, lawless, felonious, delinquent, fraudulent, actionable, culpable; More
i also call people i work with cavemen lol ,,,am not a racist , he just needs to control his anger with people he sees as slow or not upto his professional stardards …am working on it
Thank you. He’s simply a perfectionist and any perfectionist I know wants the best arnd him
Perfectionism doesn’t demand one to act like an ass hole.
Then he needs to learn self control…..its either shape up, or shape out.
It is a shame that no one has requested for Barry’s side of the story. I know him personally and am surprised by what I have been reading. This is an issue for the hotel, Barry and any of the complaintants. Not for this type of website. This is a bad way to go and not fair to anyone.
Assault is crossing the line in most places..HE can’t do it in Britain, He would be out of a Job…
He should not have committed an obvious crime. The days of treating Kenyans with abuse & a condescending attitude are over. Kwisha ! A hotel that has to be told its employee is breaching the law is the reason why such is posted on the internet. If they cared they would also post on their website what correctional action they have taken. Otherwise no need to visit the establishment no matter who owns it or how famous it is. Respect Kenya & respect Kenyans. Just as they are expected to do in other countries. There are hundreds of Kenyans chefs working abroad who do not behave in this manner. Also there are many right in Karen without this silly attitude or behaviour. Had he wanted to give his side of the story he could have done it ages ago.
I totally agree with you.
This
racist buffoon needs to be deported back to the UK , he ‘cannot’ get
away with this in England (nowadays!) because his company would be
SUED!…Kenyans are also grossly disappointing – especially the naive
one’s who’ve never lived abroad – still disillusioned that the white
man is superior.Good job for posting this piece – hopefully his P45 and a
return ticket awaits him.
Hahaha you live abroad and yet you are so stupid to justify a case by one side of the story? ?have a sit!!!!
Living abroad has nothing to do with this issue. A crime has been committed. It is illegal to act in this manner.
Its funny how people think, isn’t it?
To reason over whether one is abroad or elsewhere is totally irrelevant. We Kenyans need to stop running away from confronting the difficult situations in our lives & start to take the bull by the horns. Instead of sweeping everything under the elephants foot. Same in politics when its not #oneofours we go on a tribal war path missing the whole issue from the beginning. Blindfolded horses….on the loose.
100% agree
You’d probably, by what I can glean,fall under the category of an ‘uncle Tom’ …
How can he be a racist with a kenyan wife and children…he is however tough to work with but a racist…you are kidding me. Taking away the first aid box? Bet you it was moved to a more convienant location/ more suitable, there is no way he would say that. Not sure how many fine dining restaurants the kitchen staff have worked at but it, chefs generally have an attitude problem.
Black pudding, maybe inappropraite but racist no.
Caveman, seriously stop being so sensitive. Just cause hes white you trying turn everything about race in no way is that racist.
This article is no doubt written by some kitchen staff who were lazy who got told so and didnt like it.
If you have worked or lived in a racist environment you would not say that…
Marrying a Kenyan lady means nothing. We all know that Kenyan women are desperate for Muzungus. Its some kind of badge of honor. The guy could be treating the gal like shit, but she will stick there till death just so that people can say she’s married to a white man. That ‘Kenyan wife’ bit is crap, look for another reason why we shouldn’t call him racist but not that.
Any racist and abusive foreigner is not welcome in Kenya.He and his assistant should go on forced leave as investigations are done and if found to be guilty of abusive and racist slurs in any form or manner…they should pack and leave the country.We do not need them that much we can always find someone else…
This is Utter nonsense.. My name is Omondi Ouma, I am Kenyan and black FYI and it’s sad to read this article from the Author labeling the first ever Michillen star Chef in East Africa who has elevated Kenyan culinary scene into the world as Racist or Biased. It’s the Kitchen ya’ll for those of us who were raised with mboches (maids) and their moms and have to have your mom force feed you matumbo (tripe) like I did.You have no clue what goes on behind the scenes to create a dish which earn one a Michellin star. Chef Barry tonks runned his kitchen in London the same way he runs his kitchen in Hemingways Nairobi Kenya. Yes he is fierce and he has an affirmative command in his kitchen but for crying out loud ….hiding his first aid kit? That is pure bullocks man!!! No one in the culinary world will be believe that. Kitchen is a very unsafe place and first aid kits are readily available as a standard precaution. I’m starting to have the feeling that the author of this article is either related to the lady in question or they are lovers. Racist!!!!? Chef Barry Tonks? Are you serious ? Take another route fella but not the racist card . You are so wrong.
Why this talented chef? Is it Because he’s outspoken? Look behind every fancy kitchen in Kenya where we have some talented chefs in Kenya and they treat our fellow kenyans like dirt. For those working under this chef you should be privileged.You think this Chef is mean? Ohh !! you wouldn’t wanna work for Chef Gordon Ramsay (for those of you who do not know who Gordon Ramsey is google that name) Just because a foreign chef just has an outburst in the kitchen doesn’t label him a racist. This Chef is married to an African Kenya, he has Kenyan Babies, He moved to Kenya to teach his kids the values of being African and the author of this article have the audacity of calling him RACIST!!!! check his background before being an utter IDIOT!!! The whole world is watching and you are spoiling something good for our African brothers and sisters who have the potential of one day running a Michelin restaurant. How many Africans do we know who have a Michelin star and they bring it back to Africa?
Think evaluate yourself. It’s people like you(Authour) who make amazing talent disappear from Africa .This is one opportunity that the Kenyan culinary industry has got elevated and some self centers Geezer !! Yes Geezer is blowing it by calling a Michelin star Racist . The world is watching ya’ll this is not Zimbabwe.This is Kenya.
Check the pattern, a pro-Barry Tonks comment is posted and it receives 3 or 4 positive votes immediately. Meaning that a bunch of hirelings are being used to neutralise the bad publicity. Barry Tonks need to respond with FACTS about the specifics.
Blindly praising Barry Tonks or him using pseudonyms to praise himself will never right the wrongs. Only brutal facts with documentations would
Hahaha so you actually stay on here to check the timings of the likes. . Lol sad ass
This is a serious issue and yes, am also monitoring
Bang out of order he should be stopped & face prosecution
I am not blindly praising Chef Barry Tonks . I am stating the facts .@ Mike Serengu… Have you met Chef Barry Tonks or even heard of him if it wasn’t for this article? Have you visited Hemingway Nairobi or even know where it is located ? Do you have a clue what kinda cuisine Chef Barry prepares? So before uttering blanks from Texas where you have been for 18 years “as you mentioned” . Get to know who the man is , don’t just read an article and start reading the dictionary so you could put some vocabulary on here….Lol jeez !!
So please Mr.Kahawa Tungu check your source before blogging some utter nonesense. I am a chef myself and I’m a total asshole in my Kitchen . If you think Barry is a Racist what will you call me when I throw a plate to my Italian sous chef . My sous chefs and line cooks are totally white and i’m pure black Kenyan .What would you call me then ? A racist? Or just a Kenyan with a passion for perfection?
You are not making sense, I am sure not even to yourself. Being a chef and a moron as such and people tolerate your buffoonery doesn’t make you OK. Anyone racists against blacks doesn’t have to be non-black. Reading your paragraph makes one realise one thing.
You are a deluded buffoon. Not well exposed. I have lived in Texas for over 18 years. Scanning your IP also reveal that you and Alexandra Wanjiku OfficialGovtBaboon are just one and the same person posting from IP 92.251.187.58 and 94.185.208.5 mostly
Hahaha! !Ur th dumbest educated fool I’ve met in my life. . Makes me wonder if you’re even educated! ! ! Hahaha
So your ip shows we thr same people huh? ?Sorry your try at being a P.I has failed miserably you little twat!!
Eish!!??…really?…why the need to call people names?
Hey Mugun Mike Serengu (you probably don’t know what that is) so let me simplify it for you ” Mugun” is a definitions of a village fool living in a foreign country trying to emulate sophistication but will always be a fool .You have some serious growing up to do. Who cares how long you have lived in Texas? Lol….. Go home and help build the nation .
Your sound bites sound contrived. Why would you deliberately throw a hissy fit at another human?….yes, you’d be a total racist and an asshole
Labour laws in Kenya are very strict on how one is treated at their workplace. Suggest you reconsider your behaviour as well before you join Barry Bonks.
This is why racism continues because there’s blacks like you in the world and other non-whites who just jump to the defense of racists even when it’s clear as day. Deal with your inferiority complex. Racism is not okay.
God I hate blacks like you, always the kind that will say things like hey it’s okay for white people to use the nword, everythings alright just bow down like a slave..
Join the TwitterStorm :
#KOT @Barrytonks1 @barrytonks @HemingwaysKE @ImmigrationDept Chef Barry Tonks wrk prmt cancelled asap & be deported. https://kahawatungu.com/2013/12/09/barry-tonks-the-violent-and-racist-british-chef-at-the-hemingways-hotel-in-nairobi/
Unlike most of you here, I am not afraid to post under my own name. I was recently in Nairobi, and with Barry. I have known him for 20 years. Whilst your article is well written, and perhaps some parts could be true. I doubt very much he is a racist… His wife is Kenyan as his two children are half cast… Really not the MO for a Racist. He moved to Kenya to experience your wonderful country, and to work on what is a lovely project, the impression I had from him was that he was happy, the team were a “solid bunch” and he was looking forward to taking the restaurants to the next level.
Barry, we stand by you and respect you and should not let a disgruntled ex employee hold judge and jury on a faceless website.
Siring kids with an African doesn’t make anyone a non racist. Nobody has a personal issue with Barry. He needs to come out and say what happened. He need to respect his colleagues. Respect is two way.
Wholly believing him is not right. He should not have run away. Whatever he does wrong will be exposed. The internet gives us that strength
Hahaha so you get strength from the Internet? ?? ? you should know how sad y’all sound
Am sure he meant, the internet gives us power as a collective to deal with this kind of issue….it is a platform you know and yes, it is an empowering platform
I don’t care if he’s married to the Queen of Sheba.There no place for slurring racial epithets -anywhere – at anyone.A lot of us,blacks, live abroad and are very well familiar with prejudice behavior – so however you try to soften it…we know exactly what he meant.
You claim you know what he meant were you there? ? Im black n I live abroad too n ive experienced racism but just because you got fired doesn’tmean racism!its a shame you li abroad had all the expo but still closed minded… Jesus! !
James Norman, Just because he’s married to a Kenyan doesn’t mean shit (xcuse my language)….I suspect he’s the passive aggressive type. Most white people, undermine black people at every turn, making sure to create insecurity and low self esteem everytime they interact. Its like another person commented, he could be doing it to keep all the glory to himself and to ensure that none in that kitchen rises to his level….Success, especially in his line is all about confidence in ones ability to create high quality cuisines. Am sick and tired of this notion by white people that blacks are incapable of high intellect and creativity.
We stand by our Kenyans just as you stand by your friend. His behaviour says more than enough.
If you think people are incapable of being racist because they are fking and having kids with black people you probably need to do a little research and you’ll find that there are millions of black people all over the world who have white ancestry through racist white slave owners. Just need to get that out of the way…
Being in a interracial relationship does not prevent someone from being a racist. People can still have the view that they are superior to certain people like blacks regardless. Sometimes their partner may know but they just let the bllshit from racist they’re sleeping with at night slide…
http://www.nairobiexposed.com/2013/06/04/kahawa-tungu-blogger-exposed/
Read this before believing anything about this stupid blogger ur ass should get arrested again
So that post expose Kahawatungu as who? If I go and write that Friend A says that you are Kahwatungu that will be an expose? Why do you rely on shallow conclusions to prove a point? Are you that desperate?
Barry is mentioned in this blog post and not you. But running through comments, someone realise that you have contributed over 30 comments to defend him. You must be very desperate
A chef of distinction (Barry Tonks) has graced the establishment mentioned. Maybe instead of bitching and whining maybe you could learn something from acclaimed man. Lesson #1, harden the f#%k up and stop being so sensitive princess’s, from the information posted it seems that Barry is trying to achieve culinary greatness with a brigade of pansies?????
A chef of distinction or not does not give him the right to be verbally abusive & to reign over staff via management by fear. The only thing he seems to be teaching is bad manners. Chang places with the staff & we are very sure after a few such outbursts you will surely expose your primitive side with violence. A wise suggestion if you live in Kenya is to pansy back to the UK if you feel Kenyans should be mistreated or handled like cows or second class citizens in their own country. Kenya is no longer a Crown Protectorate of HM Kingdom. Kenya is a sovereign state & independent of overbearing colonialists living in the past. Not very wise calling Kenyans pansies. This disrespect will not get you anywhere. Dont be surprised if a really pissed off Kenyan bumps into you because of your attitude towards them. Pathetic & shameful post. This issue will not go away now. We see that the Kenya of today has been turned into a colonial mini-state by a few who still want to enslave the majority.
Uuuh! Its the great white man bringing civilization, is it?….what the fuck makes you think there aren’t some hard ass, tough-as-nails and highly creative Kenyans in that kitchen?…did it ever occur to you that this buffoon might be doing it to intimidate and suppress the genius of junior chefs? That he might be doing it to claim the glory to himself?….I’ll tell you what, I give it up to white folks knowing exactly how to make black people feel inferior in the work place. But a time is coming, when we shall not be intimidated by you, we’re growing more confident by the day….let him feel free to go back to England where everything is hanky dory.
Culinary greatness, my ass!!!….there are some great establishments being run by black chefs and are doing just great!
Take your albino ass back to your country.whites smell of shit and cunt….
Konyagi grown up .How could the author of this blog allow posts like these ?
Gentlemen, learn to listen, learn to spelll, learn to take directives and stop bitching about human rights (excuse me if I vomit), Barry Tonks is a craftsman of his trade, if a little time was spent learning from this talented individual – he may teach you how to cook?, can you – (mud huts and pies exempt), and finally – why is “white” mentioned so many times in a post – you guys really have a hang up about the colour of your skin, who cares?, I don’t
@Mark Thistlewhite, 🙂 I’m reading your drivel and I couldn’t help but vomit a little in my mouth. You obviously belong to the group who thinks you ‘left Africa too soon’. Well, guess what, the baboon has finally come of age and we don’t need you anymore. You and that other neanderthal in Malindi need to pack up and leave, because you’ve overstayed your welcome. Wether you like it or not, Kenya will be run by Kenyans and mo&*%%ckers like you who can’t stand the thought of going back to your own country are going to have to either shape up or shape out. That’s the 411 dude. Take it or leave it!
Craftsman my foot!!….you’re the one who needs to keep your trap shut and listen….take directive??? take directive from who?…that’s what’s destroying people like you, humility goes a long way….but I guess such a word doesn’t feature in your vocabulary, you’d rather bury your heads in your tight little circles and think you’re still back in 1952. …Pathetic!…i feel sorry for you.
Excuse me but the word spell is spelt with only two l´s fyi. Its our country & we can bitch & rant all we want. Or have you suddenly forgotten this ? A craftsman of any trade does not behave with the attitude Barry Tonks has been displaying. Kenyans have been cooking for ages. Visit many world famous restauarants & you would be surprised to find a Kenyan chef among the staff there. Being abusive & referring to Kenyans as living in mud huts will not give you much credibility. It is rather obvious that something is amiss @Hemingways & they have sent the illiterate goon squad to terroize online commentors who dont agree with what has been alleged. We have no problems with skin color as it is something you seem to believe is superior in referencing white skin. This will get more interesting cause its not stopping being an issue cause you want to sweep it under the elephants feet. Its here to stay till its stopped properly.
Tell him my brother!
Here! here! Mark Thistlewhite well said.
Laughing, remind me to send u a recipe for nuts + grapes, happy cooking lol
Speaking of nuts, perhaps you and your buddy needs to grow a pair….picking on poor Kenyans who are desperate for a job to terrorize! why can’t he pick on people of his own caliber!….pathetic!
Stop, please stop – I’ve just broken 3 ribs from laughing at you clowns!!! Lol – make it four – lol
I’d have been so impressed if you’d cracked ur head….oh well, perhaps another day. (wishing)
The clown is actually you. Ignorance is not an excuse for abuse.
Hey Mark It’s pointless to argue with juvenile minds. Let’s rally behind Chef Barry and show the world that Kenya welcomes the challenge of having renowned chefs Like Barry Tonks who not only bring major culinary talent to our country but also an opportunity that most of us would have never encounter.
I have known barry tonks for over 10 years and rascist is one thing he most certainly is not, I am saddened that like most internet debates this has descended in to rude and insulting language, Barry is a hard employer, but no less than any leader one expects to work for in the premier league of any industry, be it hedge fund management or corporate law. The demands placed on such individuals leads to highly competitive working enviroments were only the toughest survive. Working under Michelin starred chefs is not an easy task and there are no doubt numerous jobs out there which are best suited to those whom wish to avoid such a hardy environment. But to make someone a scapegoat for your lack of understanding about working in the high end of industry is a poor judgment call and even more a shameful abuse of the word rascist. The Kenyan people have been both accommodating and hospitable to barry whom has reciprocated this mutual embrace of each others cultures, Barry from what I know is both open minded and tolerant of the beauty of diversity and was always an ambassador of integration in both class and race, the use of derogatory language for the Kenyan people I know is beyond their copmprehension. Its a sad day for the beautiful and educated Kenyan brothers and sisters when a small minority of self motivated individuals were to perpetuate the very fabric of progression.
Wonder why he does not comment the allegations made against him ? The word is free & it costs him nothing. Still this is no excuse to be abusive & racist. Read the rest of his fan clubs comments about Kenyans that will tell you alot. Michelin stars can come & go but disrespect for a nations people that will never be given a star. Some of us have worked in the restaurant industry so no need to be ignorant. One rule of law is you do not abuse or attack you staff as though they were slaves in a Roots Sequel. He is not being made a scapegoat. Is he a victim of his own verbal & racist abuse ? Derogatory language or stereotyping of anybody shows that a person does not consider them as equal human beings. Thats the reality of a democracy but not the reality of daily life in Kenya. Many Kenyans experience this everyday. Have they gone on burning & looting sprees because of this ? If he is an ambassador of culinary exquisiteness & good manners he would have the courage to apologise to those he has wronged. He does not have to have friends intervene on his behalf when he knows very well what the staff have experienced. More so for being silenced & threatened with dismissal if they open their mouths. Progress is not made via threats or mistreating other human beings. More insulting when done in their own countries. That does not excuse one from the facts of what has transpired. Kenyans can progress they dont need development or progress forced down their throats & in their ears with racial slurs & demeaning attitudes. In the UK he may think this is ok but this is Kenya. The days of looking down on Kenyans & saying one is educating them to be better servants are long gone, passé.
then I can only hope you are talking for yourself and not the voice of the people, sorry my apologies, I was under the impression Kenya was democratic??? I personally wouldn’t feel the need to defend my self against such hardline words as rascist, im sincerely sorry you feel this way, and I would imagine that Mr Tonks would also feel a similar way. Both the Kenyan people and the country have done well to absorb and integrate all elements of immigration and successfully turned even the most conservative in to Kenyan, both tolerance and understanding can go along way, A talented chef, and a sad day for the majority of educated and venerable Kenyans.
We are speaking for those who are not able or allowed to defend themselves. You still havent opened your mind. The staff members have been silenced & warned not to interact online. Yes we are the conscience of most Kenyans & the voice of many. Do you understand what the word democracy means & fyi in a democracy racism & discrimination are not tolerated? You would surely know that. We dont feel this way & the issue is not about us. You cannot speak about Kenyans when you have missed this whole issue from the start which is about Kenyan staff being abused of which you are not. As mentioned some of us have worked in the restaurant industry & know very well what we speak of. Kenya is not integrated & no need to mislead the pubic on what you do not know. Has Barry Tonks shown any tolerance or understanding for the staff he has insulted ? Has Hemingways acted fair & lawfully by threatening their staff & refusing them to respond online ? Do you now understand why they are silence. You are perpetuating more ignorance & bigotry by being blind to those who have been faulted. So the Kenyan staff are not talented is what you imply ? You speak for a section of Kenyans who have no connect with reality its as simple as that & has nothing to do with education or being venerable. This is about justice & right to begin with.
Very wrong. There are many that have worked in kitchens around the world. Dont abuse the intelligence of those who have.
Very wrong @edomosh:disqus we represent those not allowed to have their say nor represent themselves. We are not interested in defending the reputation of a person who has insulted Kenyans in this manner. Make as many assumptions as you like. Your definition of Kenyan is your personal issue. We are not under any obligations to you. Its not very difficult to remember this. Is it ?
I worked with Barry for two years in London before he moved to Kenya. I do agree that he can swear and shout on his staff,(which is very common with all chefs). But the problem here is that we Africans take swearing words very serious and personal. He is very discipline and doesn’t tolerate nonsense.
What I personally disagree is Barry being a racist. His wife’s ethnicity is black-African (Kenyan) like myself. From my experience with Barry, he is never a racist. Why would he wife a black woman if he was racist? why would he discipline one of my colleagues for using a racist word(n**ga) if he was a racist himself?
I can bet on that. Barry is far from racism
Well if you feel this way good. Tell Hemingways to let their staff give their opinion too. Why are they being silenced & threatened ? Dont they have rights too ? Once Barry´s fan club can answer these simple questions then what has transpired is probably very true as portrayed in the article. 😀
you tht seems really hurt by this ave u worked in aproffesional kitchen!!!if yes then u knw hw the chefs can be really hard on thee staff and at the end of the day the proffesion filters the cream of the best this way!!!watever issue u got wit barry u need to deal wit it coz he is nt racist his wife is black and the way he is socialized name callin his a norm!!!he fired a chef last year for over cookin spaghetti is someone who doesnt take B.S!!!whine all u want it a’nt gonna change shiat!!
Have worked with many Guide Michelin restaurants & so have others. Its time you as a chef learn to be proud of both your heritage & the profession you profess to represent. You may not be aware of the many Kenyans working in world restaurants. They are treated with RESPECT even if they over cook spaghetti. Lol Barry Tonks treats his staff like shit & he knows this. F**k Hell’s Kitchen that’s entertainment. Nobodies whining. Right is right & wrong is wrong. Time to perhaps open your eyes to a new world & a new Kenya.
Well done Chef Tonks for not replying to this blog it show you are not as primitive and actually If U used the word caveman you used in the right context with pple who put up this blog. Its evident that @ AnonymousKenya1 and Mkenya may have worked in hemingways and got fired as they cld not handle the heat in the kitchen or take order from a foreigner person, Hence paying a blogger to drag your name down the mud.
After reading this article it sounds bias and more hating on 1 man, why don’t you follow the procedure of the company demanding answers? surely this is a big company with HR dept and marketing dept to sort out there name from rubbles.!!
I would understand us Kenyans don’t use swear words as much as westerns do but to call someone a Racist for that??you sound pathetic and Kenyans we are not know from being haters on other race. Most top notch restaurants chefs go to extreme to have their staff discipline and deliver effectively as is their menu on the line. I’ve worked in many kitchens training and inspecting staff on health and safety most chef I find out there with swear words like no ones matter when under pressure and I don’t blame them as this never seem to be personal as at the end of the shift they would say ‘well done team that was a great service’
The staff at hemingways would have approached the HR DEPT when this started. but to label some1 a racist simply becos he swears???? come on!!!I must say you all lot are sensitive than a Clitoris, and @Mkenya and @ Anonymouskenya1 stick your hate where sun don’t shine, This is company internal matter that we Kenyans should get to hear the verdict after it has been prove true is any.By the way u 2 fools watch Gordon Ramsay and let know what u think of him if his brought in that kitchen im sure u will be running to south pole like chicken’s to cool down pleaseeeee.
Kenyan we are not haters other foreigners karibuni Kenya please.
You are 100% right
Highly unlikely your a re True Kenyan, doubt very much you are defending any Kenyan as well. Anyway its just another incident of an employee of Hemingways or their fans exposing themselves instead of doing the right things. No worries none of us have worked at this heinous place. Would not recommend it either. If you think life is about taking orders then you are seriously lost on this planet. A kitchen worth its weight does not mistreat or disrespect its staff. Thats basic common sense. Barry Tonks not giving any answer is just another admittance of his guilt.
No need to say your are defending anything. Your answer in its self is racist in the fact your comparison is about race & has nothing to do with work ethics. Some of us have worked in top class restaurants & other establishments where there is no harassment or abuse. Such an explanation simply fortifies the notion that Hemingways does encourage & allow the harassment, silencing & threatening of its staff. Guess now your presumed future guests will think twice before consuming food brought from this kitchen or any other in their group. If you must resort to abusive verbal outbursts its an indication you cannot handle human relations unless you intimidate others & have a serious problem that should be dealt with.
The staff at Hemingways were warned not to respond to anything online. Those who did would be fired asap. That is how your HR dept at Hemingway functions. Just ask the management to explain this. Also using such sexual abusive terms as you have written shows you have no respect for others & are in fact actually abusing yourself. We dont hate & in fact we tried to stick to issues, whereas you have chosen the path of abuse & blind folly. Fyi some of us have met Gordon Ramsey if you would like to know where the ball stands on that matter.
So pls dont say your a True Kenyan because you surely are not and have ignored what this whole issue is about. Or rather you have been perhaps sent to be under a pseudonym in order to confuse the public? Hemingways can surely do better than this. Your PR & marketing value are falling daily with every person you issue with orders to speak on your behalfs. Teach Barry Tonks some manners as well. He can surely reply to these allegations if he wanted to, instead of hiding.
????
I worked with chef Barry for two year as senior chef, what people thinks Michelin star cooking is ?? Fun ? It can be with Barry aswell but always give ur soul in what u do 200% !
what people thinks Michelin star cooking is ?? Fun ?tht is wat hot kitchen feels like ppl!!
I have been thinking for quite some time on whether to get
involved in this debate or not “and my decision to not engage in this blog and
its spin Doctors remains the same” given the source of where the blog originates
from and the propaganda tactics used by this cyber activist called Robert Alai http://www.nairobiexposed.com/?s=robert+alai
I would like to thank all of my Lenard friends and distinguish
colleagues who didn’t hide behind an alias or facades too post their opinions, support
and enter some seriously debated topics on this blog.
If I may………… Kenya is a beautiful country, full of amazing people;
it was an amazing experience for me and my family “one that we will never
forget” I have fully embraced your
culture and its values; I am privileged to have been involved and worked in
such a vibrant and exciting restaurant scene in Nairobi.
I have met so many wonderful people on my journey and will
continue to stay in touch for years to come. Working with some amazing producers, farmers,
suppliers and Chefs “you have all fuelled my passion for years to come”
Hemingway’s Nairobi has very strict HR procedures and regulations
in place and at no point where any of these serious allegations recorded or
took place. There has to be some motive somewhere to justify such hatred and persecution
of an individual. I find it very sad indeed that for all the good that was achieved
whilst being at Hemings Nairobi “it has to tarnished by this baloney”
Many thanks, Barry Tonks
Barry you are not helping yourself in any way. Blaming a messenger whether he is real or not does not address the accusations. The write mentioned particular incidences with facts. I know that he doesn’t work at Hemingways so he was told the story.
But your pathetic defence is “it is wrong because Robert is the author.” Does it even make sense to you? Kind of childish and without basis. Respond with facts to counter facts.
You are like a kid caught with the hand in the cookie jar. Your retort is that you are innocent because your brother told the story. Foolish.
The hotel know why they asked you to leave. Staff hated you for being a pig. This is evident in the post
I’m not sure what the HR is like in Kenya but in London it can be quite efficient, not going into too much detail it’s clear to see a leopard never changes its spots. After working with this man I can compleatly understand and belive the points raised. After numerous complaints by several staff members ranging from small complaints to very big ones he was asked to leave his job. His reputation in London is not very good, I only can prey for the poor chefs that work with him in future. One chef was that abused by him he walk out leaving nobody to cook on the Josper. It’s really sad that this seems to be a common theme in this mans career.