Michelin-Listed Restaurant's Hygiene Rating Plummets After Inspection Uncovers Multiple Failures
A celebrated restaurant featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide has suffered a dramatic downgrade to its food hygiene rating following a concerning inspection that uncovered flies, improperly stored fish waste, and significant cleanliness issues.
From Five Stars to Just Two
The Royal Native Oyster Stores, operated by the Whitstable Oyster Company in the coastal town of Whitstable, has seen its hygiene rating plummet from the maximum five-star score to just two stars following a visit from Canterbury City Council environmental health officers. The establishment has been credited with playing a key role in the town's revival and has maintained its Michelin Guide status for years, making the downgrade particularly notable.
Multiple Hygiene Failures Documented
During the inspection conducted in September 2025, the council inspector documented numerous violations that contributed to the rating reduction:
- A foul-smelling open bucket containing discarded fish portions was found stored directly outside the premises in the external yard
- Multiple flies were observed in the wash-up area, landing on worktops and food contact equipment
- The potato chipping room required deep cleaning after inspectors found dirt and food debris on the floor
- The crushed ice machine was in a significantly poor state of cleanliness with a lid in disrepair
- Equipment including the ice spade and scoop were not stored in a way that prevents contamination
Structural and Training Concerns
Beyond immediate cleanliness issues, the inspector noted structural problems and training deficiencies:
Missing ceilings were observed in multiple areas including the potato chipping room and preparation room, while various walls showed damage in the dry store and kitchen areas. The floor in the main kitchen was damaged with bare concrete exposed underneath fryers, creating cleaning difficulties due to its porous nature.
Perhaps most concerning was the inspector's statement regarding staff training: "I was unable to see any evidence of formal food safety training amongst the chefs." This fundamental failure in food safety protocols represents a serious breach of standard restaurant operating procedures.
Detailed Cleaning Requirements
The inspection report called for comprehensive improvements throughout the kitchen, noting that "more detailed cleaning is required throughout the kitchen" with particular attention needed to:
- Flooring underneath and behind fryers
- The inside of the plate cabinet and underside of handles
- Fridge and freezer door seals
- Cutlery trays, fans blowing air into the kitchen, and freezer bottoms
The inspector specifically warned about the improperly stored fish waste, stating it "will significantly increase the risk of pest activity within the yard area" and emphasized that "food waste must be disposed of appropriately."
Reputation at Stake
For an establishment that has built its reputation on quality and contributed significantly to Whitstable's culinary revival, the hygiene rating reduction represents a substantial blow. The restaurant now faces the challenge of addressing these multiple failures while maintaining its Michelin Guide status and customer confidence in its dining experience.
The detailed inspection findings highlight how even prestigious establishments can fall short of basic food safety standards, with consequences that extend beyond regulatory compliance to potentially damaging hard-earned reputations in the competitive restaurant industry.
