Failure to say ‘please’ is not rude in top kitchens, tribunal rules

Employment judge dismisses case of London chef sacked after refusing to do tasks until asked politely

The fast-paced, blunt-talking style of some professional kitchens is familiar thanks to reality television cookery shows and dramas, such as Boiling Point and The Bear.

Now an employment tribunal ruling has concluded that failing to say please" to a colleague in a busy kitchen need not be considered rude. Instead, it said, direct and efficient" communication without additional pleasantries may be a matter of practicality" in a fast-paced working environment, such as a high-end kitchen.