Manchester United Café Hit with £10,000 Fine After Rat Infestation Discovery
A café popular with match-going Manchester United supporters has been slapped with a £10,000 fine after environmental health inspectors uncovered a severe rat infestation and multiple food safety violations. The United Café, located on Chester Road in the shadow of Old Trafford stadium, received a zero-star food hygiene rating following the alarming findings.
Shocking Inspection Reveals Rodent Problems
During an inspection in August 2024, Trafford Council officers discovered potatoes that had been gnawed by rodents, rat droppings under the chip range, and evidence of widespread pest activity. The report noted that both The United Café and the neighbouring Legends venue voluntarily closed their premises due to the infestation.
The council's report stated clearly: 'Visit due to issues with rat activity in the area. Both premises closed voluntarily due to rat infestation.' Investigators found that the business had failed to conduct accurate daily checks for rats and had incorrectly recorded the site as pest-free.
Follow-Up Visit Uncovers Further Violations
After the initial closure and required deep cleaning, undercover officers returned in November 2024 and encountered another serious breach. A burger containing gluten was served to an inspector who had declared a gluten allergy, putting customer health at significant risk.
The café, which also operates as a bar and off-licence serving traditional favourites like fish and chips and full English breakfasts, faced legal consequences at Manchester Magistrates Court. Café United Ltd and director Sean Stokes, 56, of Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, pleaded guilty to breaches of food safety legislation.
Substantial Financial Penalties Imposed
The court imposed significant fines on both the company and its director. Café United Ltd was fined £8,000 with additional costs of £1,000, while Mr Stokes received a personal fine of £1,048 plus a victim surcharge of £419, bringing the total penalty to £10,467.
Despite the café's respectable 4.2-star Google rating from customers, subsequent inspections revealed ongoing problems. A December 2025 visit resulted in just a one-star rating with inspectors noting that 'major improvement necessary' was required in food safety management.
Council Vows to Protect Public Health
Councillor Rose Thompson, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Communities and Safety, emphasised the council's commitment to maintaining proper standards. 'Visitors and residents in Trafford have the right to expect good standards of hygiene, and reliable advice on ingredients, from any food outlet that trades in our borough,' she stated.
'This prosecution shows that we will not hesitate to take action where standards fall short of what is acceptable. Thanks to our environmental health team for pursuing this case and bringing this business and its director to court. It is a clear warning that substantial fines can be issued to businesses that risk putting people's health at risk.'
The United Café, which is not officially affiliated with Manchester United Football Club, must now address the ongoing food safety concerns identified in recent inspections while operating under the shadow of this substantial penalty.
