The Fitzroy Tavern, a Michelin-starred gastropub in Seasalter, Kent, has been given a zero-star food hygiene rating following a council inspection that uncovered dirt, mould, and poor practices.
Inspectors from Canterbury City Council found “dirt and mould on the ceiling in the walk-in refrigerator” and “ready to eat picked cucumber was stored in a heavily stained jug.” The report also noted a staff member eating in the kitchen and chefs wearing cloths over their shoulders and leather bracelets, prompting a review of personal hygiene policies.
The pub, run by brothers Stephen and Phil Harris since 1999, previously held a perfect five-star rating. It scored “generally satisfactory” in hygiene food handling and management of food safety, but “improvement necessary” in cleanliness and condition of facilities.
Structural issues were flagged in the historic building, including damaged skirting boards and rusting on fridge shelves. Lighting in the lobby and dry food storage was deemed insufficient for cleaning and pest checks. Owner Shepherd Neame said staff “took immediate action” and have applied for a rescore, with a reinspection expected soon.
The Fitzroy Tavern, awarded a Michelin star in 2008 and named best UK pub in 2015, has hosted celebrities like Daniel Craig and Gary Lineker. It maintains over 1,200 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor with a 4.4 out of five score.
