Chef has 'scalding hot liquid poured down trousers' in alleged bullying incident at luxury hotel

A head chef at a luxury spa has been sacked following an allegation of bullying, which ended with another chef being scalded by boiling butter poured down his trousers.

Calcot and Spa, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, said yesterday the member of staff involved was immediately disciplined and dismissed.

Nathan Davies, 22, a chef who worked at the hotel for two years, shared his experience working at Calcot via Instagram, warning others in the industry “not to take abuse”.

“I’ve been working at Calcot Manor for two years and after ignoring the constant burning, punches (some causing black eyes) and being forced to eat items ranging from rabbit s*** to raw chicken... jokes went a bit too far when I was scalded and hospitalised due to someone pouring boiling butter down my trousers,” Mr Davies alleged.

“Everyone should be careful working in kitchens and not take abuse or anything similar to what I’ve experienced in case it ends up like this.”

The 22-year-old shared photos of the burns he sustained to his buttocks following the incident.

He claimed his wounds became infected after he was made to continue working against his doctor's orders.

Calcot’s HR manager, General Manager and Richard Davies all state that the doctor’s recommendations were fully followed as specified in his sick note.

"The doctors recommendations were fully followed as to his recovery and therefore we categorically deny that at the time of the incident, the member of staff was forced to return to work. He was offered light duties as specified by the doctor," a statement said.

The four-star hotel quelled rumours yesterday their executive head chef, Richard Davies, who was a protégé of Gordon Ramsay, was involved in the incident.

The head chef involved was in charge of one of two kitchens at the hotel, Calcot told The Telegraph.

They added they were “shocked” by the incident, but denied all accusations of a “culture of bullying” in their kitchens.

In a statement Calcot said: “Our ongoing investigations with the team lead us to strongly believe that this is an isolated incident.

“As yet, we have found no evidence of this wider culture, but our enquiries continue today and if we find anything that can be corroborated, we will act immediately as we have done so previously.

“Executive Chef Richard Davies was not involved and was not in the kitchen when the incident took place, as alleged, but shares responsibility for this situation occurring in his kitchen.”