Amisfield scandal: Restaurant owner says he ‘misjudged’ in making Vaughan Mabee head chef
The owner and also the chief executive of the award-winning Amisfield Restaurant have outlined their regrets over the scandal surrounding ex-chef Vaughan Mabee (inset) after staff complaints extending back a decade, and how they plan to rebuild trust. New Zealand Herald composite photo
The owner of Queenstown’s world-famous – and embattled – Amisfield Restaurant, John Darby, now says “no amount of talent” could excuse departed executive chef Vaughan Mabee’s behaviour.
In a new statement to the Herald, Darby said he realised his former executive chef’s behaviour was not acceptable in the workplace, no matter how much he was respected in the culinary industry.
Darby has confirmed Mabee was the subject of workplace complaints as far back as 2016.
The pair travelled to Turin, Italy, together last year for the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards ceremony.
The Herald revealed last Friday that Mabee – regarded as one of the best chefs in the world – had departed award-winning Amisfield.
He claimed it was a decision made to “spend more time with my young family while also pursuing several overseas opportunities”.
But it then emerged he had been at the centre of formal complaints of bullying and lewd comments and behaviour to female staffers – in and out of the workplace – for at least a decade.
Mabee has apologised, saying he wants to “strive to become that better person I know I once was and can be again”.
“Vaughan Mabee was a long-time employee that I supported on to the world stage, but I misjudged his ability to lead our kitchen responsibly,” Darby said.
“No amount of talent is an excuse for poor behaviour.”
Darby this week said complaints were made to management about Mabee’s conduct as far back as 2016 and 2022.
He said Mabee received “formal written warnings”.
It was “clearly outlined” to the star chef that any further breach would result in dismissal, Darby said.
More complaints were lodged last year, including about Mabee’s alleged conduct at a private staff party celebrating Amisfield being named among the world’s top 100 restaurants.
On the day after the party, and a subsequent drinking session at a Queenstown bar, one staff member was so upset she resigned immediately.
“Following a further complaint late last year, Vaughan was removed from the workplace and we accepted his resignation,” Darby said in his latest statement.
Ex-staff, and current unnamed staff, have spoken to various media outlets – including the Herald – of their unpleasant experiences working under Mabee.
Some have also been critical of how Mabee remained employed for so long, amid a “toxic” environment.
One told the Herald they believed managers displayed “cowardice” by not taking earlier decisive action, enabling the behaviour to continue.
Other ex-staff members have said they didn’t come forward because of the high regard Mabee was held in by Amisfield top brass.
Darby has responded, saying: “I deeply regret that any staff felt unable to speak up sooner.
“I do not condone Vaughan’s behaviour and the culture he created. I hear those who have come forward and regret that our support was not more responsive in the past.
“We are now committed to a total recalibration of our culture, with the restaurant’s future in the capable hands of Simon Toneycliffe and his leadership team.”
The fallout over the Mabee scandal has been swift.
Cuisine magazine has removed Amisfield from its prestigious food guide.
Australian broadcaster SBS has also dropped Taste of Art New Zealand – a show co-hosted by Mabee and MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong – on the eve of its debut across the Tasman.
TVNZ confirmed on Monday it was considering removing the cooking show from its online TVNZ+ catalogue in light of the conduct allegations.
Restaurant boss outlines plans to repair workplace culture and trust
After Darby’s fresh comments, Amisfield chief executive Simon Toneycliffe expressed his disappointment over the scandal surrounding his former head chef.
He has also outlined how managers at the world-acclaimed fine-dining destination hope to rebuild its workplace culture.
Toneycliffe, who took on the role in April 2023, said that he had previously realised “meaningful change was required”.
“While some of the workplace issues predated my tenure, addressing them and ensuring we create the environment our people deserve is my responsibility,” he said.
“We recognise there have been times when the standards expected of our workplace culture were not consistently met. Rebuilding trust through leadership, accountability and action is now a clear priority.”
Sun Peng, who had worked under Mabee – is now leading the kitchen.
Aaron Jacobson, who has previously worked for Michelin-rated restaurants in America and Asia – began yesterday as restaurant manager.
“Together with restaurant manager Aaron Jacobsen and chef Peng, we are reinforcing a culture where excellence, professionalism, and respect are inseparable,” Toneycliffe said.
“We are implementing a strengthened leadership structure across both the kitchen and front-of-house to ensure clearer accountability, better communication, and consistent standards of behaviour.”
Amisfield – whose rich history includes hosting British royalty for a wine tasting tour – is closed until July 7 for planned maintenance.
Toneycliffe said that period of time would also be used for the restaurant to “reset, align and prepare for the next chapter of Amisfield”.
“We remain committed to creating an environment where our people feel respected, supported and proud to work, while continuing to deliver an exceptional experience for our guests.”
Disgraced chef: ‘I badly let my team down’
Mabee told the Herald last Friday that he had resigned to “spend more time with my young family while also pursuing several overseas opportunities”.
He also took issue with his resignation being describedas “sudden”.
In a statement to the Herald on Monday, after being approached for comment on allegations about his conduct in and away from the high-profile workplace, the celebrity chef offered an apology to staff he had offended.
“I unreservedly apologise to my former staff and colleagues at work for my inappropriate behaviour to them or any inconsiderate comments made,” he said.
“I love and respect all my team at the restaurant and meant no malice or harm with my actions.
“I badly let my team down last year by inappropriate drunken behaviour at a nightclub, that made me fully realise how unfair and unacceptable some of my behaviour had been and now want to strive to become that better person I know I once was and can be again.”
An incident at a Queenstown nightclub had occurred in the hours after a private staff party.
The Herald has been told Mabee was highly intoxicated and threw a bottle of champagne in the bar.
It is alleged staff who tried to help the chef – including by getting him a cab home – were abused by him.
The Herald has been told by the ex-Amisfield worker that a staff member was so upset at what they had seen and experienced, they resigned the next day.
“I’m stepping down to first focus on addressing my personal health issues, and being a present and loving father to my family,” Mabee said.
“Again I am truly sorry for any harm or offence that may [have] impacted my fellow staff and colleagues. I respect you all and wish you well, Chef Vaughan.”
Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news,features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014 and has 34 years of newsroom experience.
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