Let Michael O’Hare ask for photos with CVs – it’s not illegal

The Michelin-starred chef is being disingenuous, however, by claiming that image doesn’t matter at the top end of the hospitality industry

O’Hare says the photos are for easy identification after the interviews are complete (Alamy Stock Photo)

I’m not sure why people are criticising Michelin-starred chef Michael O’Hare for daring to ask applicants for a front of house job at his restaurant in Leeds to send him a photograph along with their CV.

This isn’t illegal – O’Hare says it’s for easy identification after the interviews are complete and claims he doesn’t care about “colour, gender or looks”.

Yes, that might be true (although I’m not sure why he can’t just write proper notes about each candidate), but I can’t remember a time when I’ve visited a posh restaurant and not been served by someone who wasn’t in possession of all four limbs, who looked – how can I put it? – at least an 8 out of 10 in the looks department.

O’Hare is being a bit disingenuous by claiming that image doesn’t matter at the top end of the hospitality industry and he didn’t exactly help his cause by tweeting: “I’m not trying to f*** them I just want them to carry plates for me.”

Recently, I visited a trendy new restaurant in a complex behind Kings Cross in London. The staff were all incredibly thin and gorgeous (obviously not eating the food) and wore ludicrous aprons that smacked of costly designer input, and which resembled fetishist gear.

The food was average and the service hopeless. Good looking waiting staff don’t necessarily deliver the customer “experience” that will guarantee a return visit.