London’s ‘most romantic’ luxury restaurant has been given the worst hygiene rating after rat droppings were found in the kitchen – and it is not said that it was the ‘ratatouille’ chef.
Covent Garden’s Clos Maggiore, a fine dining restaurant serving precious lobster, caviar and truffles, described as the most romantic due to its cozy interior with cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling, was given a cleanliness rating of one out of five by the Westminster Department on February 28. .
The hygiene inspector detected a rat infestation, with droppings on the kitchen floor and in the pantry, BBC.
The report also notes deteriorating cutting boards and poor cleaning practices.
“During the inspection, rat droppings were observed on the floor of the kitchen and dry food store. The inspector explained that appropriate treatment methods are needed to eradicate this pest.
The inspector also found that there was a risk of food contamination because the raw fish was vacuum packed using the same machine as the “ready to eat” food.
“There is a high risk of cross-contamination with pathogenic bacteria present in raw foods…if the same vacuum packaging machine is used to process raw and ready-to-eat foods.”
A Clos Maggiore spokesperson said the restaurant had made all recommended changes and no outside pest control agency had found evidence of activity.
The spokesperson added: “I would like to reiterate that our new Executive Chef (who has taken on these responsibilities) has already returned kitchen equipment to its original condition and improved airflow.
“Not only have all the points in the report been addressed, we have already contacted the inspector to request a review and update of the rating as soon as possible.”
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