First Dates Restaurant Faces Hygiene Criticism After Inspection Reveals Mould and Expired Food
A restaurant prominently featured on Channel 4's popular dating programme First Dates has been heavily criticised by food safety inspectors following a recent hygiene assessment. The Botanist in Bath, which has appeared on the show since 2024, was found to have multiple violations including mould growth, raw food spillages, and expired produce during an official Food Standards Agency inspection.
Detailed Inspection Findings Reveal Significant Cleaning Issues
The comprehensive inspection report, obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council, outlined numerous concerning discoveries within the restaurant's kitchen facilities. "The whole kitchen was reported as being dirty with some food items out of date," according to the official documentation from last August.
Particular attention was drawn to a raw food service refrigerator where juices from uncooked items had spilled and subsequently developed "very mouldy" conditions. The walls within the chiller unit were specifically noted as being particularly affected by mould growth.
The official review explicitly stated: "Detailed cleaning required throughout various areas of the kitchen; under workstations, inside the walk-in fridge and generally around the kitchen/bar. The raw food service fridge had spillages that were very mouldy – ensure you have a structured approach to cleaning."
Additional Violations and Restaurant Background
Beyond the cleaning concerns, inspectors identified several other issues during their assessment:
- Eight burrata cheeses were found to be past their use-by dates
- Faulty lighting fixtures throughout the kitchen area
- Missing ceiling panels compromising the kitchen environment
Despite these findings, The Botanist received a three-out-of-five hygiene rating, being classified as "generally satisfactory" in two out of three examined categories. The establishment occupies a distinctive Grade II listed building situated within the historic Octagon Chapel in central Bath.
On its official website, the restaurant promotes its connection to the television programme, stating: "The Botanist Bath sets the scene for those looking for love with the help of Fred, Merlin and their team of cupids." According to reports, filming for First Dates has continued at the venue this month despite the inspection findings.
First Dates Programme Context and Recent Coverage
First Dates first launched on British television screens in 2013, with Fred Sirieix serving as the programme's charismatic maître d'hôtel throughout its twelve-year run. The show has developed a reputation for successful matchmaking, with at least five couples reportedly progressing to marriage following their televised encounters.
In February, Daily Mail television critic Christopher Stevens awarded the programme's "Be My Valentine" special a four-star review, noting: "The show has a respectable success rate... Part of that must be due to the remarkable ability of the producers to identify likely matches."
The special episode featured Fred Sirieix, aged 54, and his wife Fruitcake reminiscing about their initial meeting. Stevens described their interaction: "'You started to smile at me,' Fred said, 'and I had to stop and ask you for your number.' 'Best day of my life,' purred Fruitcake."
The critic further detailed how Fruitcake tested her husband's memory of their first encounter, with Fred successfully recalling both her "jeans with holes in" and the weather conditions of "a fine drizzle" that day in south London.
While the show typically focuses on new romantic connections, Fred and Fruitcake's appearance was justified by their recent first wedding anniversary celebration. The couple's playful attempt at role-playing as strangers on a date provided light entertainment, though as Stevens noted: "'I'm Michelle,' she giggled. 'My name is Fred,' he grunted. 'And that was the end of that little game.'"
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for First Dates for comment regarding the hygiene inspection findings at The Botanist restaurant. The popular dating programme continues to air regularly on Channel 4, maintaining its position as a beloved fixture of British television despite this recent controversy surrounding one of its featured venues.
