Gibson's Wine Bar hawthorn — Restaurant in Melbourne

A shameful display of hostility and disregard for basic human decency!

Yesterday, a close friend of mine, who works as a dedicated disability support worker, was left deeply shaken after an encounter at this establishment. While out supporting a client with a disability, an urgent need for a restroom arose. In a moment of pressure, unfamiliar with the area, she guided her client into this wine bar in hopes of quickly and quietly using the facilities. They intended no harm, no disruption, only the dignity of a basic human need.

Instead of being met with understanding or even basic civility, they were confronted on the way out by a man identifying as the owner. What followed was an aggressive, intimidating tirade. My friend, and worse, her vulnerable client, were berated and humiliated. She feared for their safety. The owner repeated, almost obsessively, the words "my business", as if a toilet break from someone in need was an unforgivable crime against his profits and pride.

Let’s be clear, this wasn’t about someone being “rude.” This was a complete failure of decency. A blatant rejection of what it means to be a member of a community. In Australia, we look after one another, especially those most in need. What happened here wasn’t just unkind, it was profoundly un-Australian.

If the owner is so obsessed with “his business” that he can’t recognize compassion, support work, or community values, perhaps he’d feel more at home running it somewhere else, somewhere where empathy doesn’t matter. But in this country, we expect better. We are better.

This experience left two people, one a worker just doing her job with care, and the other a disabled member of our society, distressed and afraid. No business should be allowed to treat people like that and still claim a place in our...

I witnessed a deeply upsetting incident at this wine bar yesterday involving a support worker and her client with a disability. The client urgently needed to use the bathroom, and since there were no other accessible options nearby, they stepped into the venue for this basic human need. What followed was completely unacceptable.

As they were leaving, the owner came out and began yelling at the support worker—who remained calm and tried to explain the situation. The owner continued to shout aggressively, dismissing the explanation and saying things like “I don’t care about your client” and “I’m the owner.” His behavior was not only unprofessional, it was completely lacking in empathy and respect toward a person with a disability and their carer.

This is not the kind of Australia we should accept or be proud of. Every individual, regardless of ability, deserves dignity and compassion. Businesses—especially those open to the public—have a responsibility to act with basic decency toward people in need, particularly those with additional challenges.

It’s incredibly disappointing to see such a lack of understanding and humanity from someone in a position of leadership within their own business. I hope this review serves as a reminder that kindness costs nothing, but cruelty leaves a...

Quirky and cozy but really needs to get a bit more lined up with current expectations/regulations. More than ever atm. For instance how about cleaning tables and chairs properly after each client,sweeping the floor and covering bar snacks even with a tea towel...and updating bathrooms too. Entrance doorstep is a leg beaker for someone soon. If you're going to charge 2021 prices I for one would like some smart creature comforts subtly added to the cool...