Good Food Guide drops Merivale after harassment claims
Merivale has been excluded from the Good Food Guide (GFG) following allegations the hospitality group exploited workers, prioritised VIPs over staff safety and ignored sexual-harassment claims.
Sarah Norris, head of Good Food, said recent investigations by the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) and 60 Minutes mean Merivale venues including Totti’s, Mr Wong, Mimi’s and Uccello had excluded themselves from eligibility for the upcoming GFG.
“Allegations against the billion-dollar company, which operates about 90 venues across NSW and Victoria, include, but are not limited to, putting staff in dangerous situations; not protecting the wellbeing of its staff; prioritising VIP treatment over staff safety, and abuse of power,” said Norris.
“Good Food stands by the reporting of this masthead (SMH) and the statements of former and current staff. Merivale employs more than 5000 staff, and we acknowledge our response may impact those who strive towards a Good Food Guide hat as a benchmark of quality.”
The investigation cited claims of underpayment, exploitation of women, sexual harassment and frequent drug use.
“The goal of the Guide is not to tell readers whether they should eat at a restaurant or not, but to provide them with more information to make their own decision,” Norris said.
Merivale, owned by Justin Hemmes, denies the allegations.
"Nine’s SMH and Good Food made vexatious assertions to Merivale in 2024 that have been investigated by an independent expert Senior Counsel, Kate Eastman SC, and were found to be unsubstantiated, and there have been no other adverse findings regarding those allegations,” the company stated.
“In contrast, SMH and Good Food’s publisher, Nine Entertainment, has been found by an independent report to have a workplace with systemic issues with abuse of power and authority, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.
“Merivale has, for decades, consistently delivered impressive venues for the enjoyment of locals and visitors and we are proud of the many thousands of staff who strive to offer the best to our customers. We do not require the validation of the Good Food Guide, to continue to do so and thrive.”
Past accolades included multiple one- and two-hat listings.
The group faces a Fair Work Ombudsman investigation, class-action settlement of A$19.25 million, and fresh complaints from former staff; it says employees are paid at or above award.
Swillhouse was excluded last year over similar claims.
Jonathan Jackson, 9th October 2025
