LONDON — London's 'most romantic' restaurant given one out of five hygiene rating as mouse droppings found in kitchen.
Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden was given a one out of five hygiene rating by Westminster City Council on 28 February.
A health official found a mouse infestation, with droppings on the kitchen floor and in a storage room.
The French restaurant said it was now pest-free.
The King Street establishment, which has frequently been described as the most romantic restaurant in London, is well known for its cosy interior with cherry blossoms dangling from the ceiling.
Dishes at the swanky restaurant include lobster, caviar, venison and a side of mashed potato with truffle priced at £8.50. It also boasts an "award-winning" wine list, including a bottle of red that costs £39,000.
A hygiene report from an inspector said, in addition to mice, there were run-down chopping boards and poor cleaning practices, according to a report obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The inspector said: "During the inspection mice droppings were noted on the floor in the kitchen and dry storage room. Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests."
The inspector also found there was a risk of food contamination at the restaurant because raw fish had been vacuum-packed using the same machine used for "ready-to-eat" food. — BBC
