A renowned Essex seafood restaurant, frequented by A-list celebrities, has been hit with the lowest possible food hygiene score, with its owner attributing the result to a stroke of extraordinarily bad luck.
A Shock Zero Rating
The Company Shed, located in Mersea, Essex, and celebrated by patrons such as actress Helena Bonham Carter and food critic Grace Dent, was inspected by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in September. The assessment concluded that major improvement was necessary in several critical areas.
The inspection report highlighted significant concerns regarding hygienic food handling, the management of food safety, and the overall cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building. This resulted in the establishment being handed a zero-out-of-five rating.
Owner's Response and Explanation
Caroline Haward, the owner, expressed her devastation but was quick to reassure patrons that this was an isolated incident. She stated that the business will be back to a five-star rating in no time.
Ms Haward explained the context, revealing that the inspection came after a cookery class. "I stupidly just rushed around on the night before," she said. "I wrapped everything up and put everything in the right positions. It was all fine, but I hadn't labelled anything, though I know every single date of every single item off by heart."
This single oversight proved costly. "When the food inspectors turned up, they put their head in the fridge and realised I hadn't labelled anything," she recounted. "It's purely a mistake on my part. As soon as it happened it's a high negative on three sections so straight away it was a zero."
Looking to the Future
Emphasising the restaurant's otherwise impeccable record, Ms Haward confirmed that the establishment, which has been open for 40 years, has never before faced issues with low food hygiene scores. The restaurant also enjoyed a visit from celebrity chef Rick Stein in March.
With a popular menu featuring dishes like grilled lobster for £49.95 and a strong 4.1 rating on Tripadvisor, the owner is now focused on remediation. "I'm trying not to get bogged down with the negatives because I'm trying to keep upbeat," she said. "I'm just focused on doing everything I need to do to get it right and this is a one-off. I pride myself on a fantastic record so this is a big blow."
Ms Haward has already spoken with the FSA and is working with them closely to implement all their recommendations, aiming to swiftly restore the restaurant's former standing and reputation.
