Historic London Pub Plunges to Zero Star Hygiene Status
The Fitzroy Tavern, a 170-year-old establishment in the heart of Fitzrovia, has been issued a devastating zero star hygiene rating following a recent inspection that uncovered severe lapses in food safety and sanitation. This historic venue, once a celebrated haunt for literary luminaries and political figures, now faces urgent calls for improvement after inspectors documented mice droppings, fruit flies, and food served well past its use-by date.
Damning Inspection Reveals Shocking Conditions
Camden council officers conducted the inspection on August 21, revealing a troubling scene of neglect. The report, obtained through a freedom of information request, highlighted the presence of mice activity throughout the premises, with droppings and fruit flies noted in the bar area floor and on shelving. Inspectors emphasised that appropriate pest control measures must be implemented immediately to eliminate these hazards.
Furthermore, the inspection found that staff were not regularly washing their hands, with reminders needed after using the toilet, smoking, or handling raw food and rubbish. The handwashing basin in the bar area was reportedly not in regular use, compounding hygiene concerns.
Expired Food and Poor Storage Practices
The food safety violations were particularly alarming. Inspectors discovered that apple sauce and sweet chilli sauce were served to customers despite being 17 days past their use-by date. Additionally, Greek style yoghurt was sold 10 days after it should have been discarded, and whipped feta remained on the menu four days out of date.
Other items found to be past their date of use included cooked chicken, hummus, and custard. The report also criticised the pub's storage practices, noting that food was given a fridge shelf life ten times longer than the maximum recommended limit, significantly increasing the risk of contamination and foodborne illness.
A Storied Past Contrasts with Present Failings
Originally established as a coffee shop before being transformed into a tavern in 1856 by German landlord Heinrich Hundertmark, The Fitzroy Tavern boasts a rich literary heritage. Throughout its history, it has attracted iconic figures such as Virginia Woolf, Dylan Thomas, George Bernard Shaw, and even Albert Einstein. Politicians including Hugh Gaitskell and Tom Driberg were also known to frequent the establishment, which claims to have inspired the name of its Fitzrovia neighbourhood.
Under the ownership of Judah 'Pop' Kleinfield after World War I, the pub became a vibrant meeting point for London's artistic community. More recently, it was named the best restored pub in the country in 2017 following a major redesign after being taken over by Samuel Smith's Brewery. The venue even has its own autobiography, underscoring its cultural significance.
Repeated Failures and Lack of Action
Disturbingly, many of the issues identified in the latest inspection were also raised a year earlier, with no apparent action taken to address them. The shelves in the bar, along with the floor coverings in the kitchen, bar area, and storage space, were described as dirty, mirroring previous findings.
Staff were found to have inadequate food hygiene awareness and were failing to implement proper food safety measures, including essential opening and closing checks. The report concluded that urgent improvement is necessary to bring the establishment up to standard.
Hygiene Ratings and Business Response
Food establishments in the UK are rated on a scale from zero to five stars based on their hygiene standards, with businesses having the option to display their rating on the premises. While establishments can request a re-inspection to obtain a new score, The Fitzroy Tavern has chosen not to do so at this time. Both the pub and Samuel Smith's Brewery have been contacted for comment regarding the damning report.
This zero star rating represents a stark fall from grace for a venue once celebrated for its restoration and historical importance, now grappling with serious food safety failures that threaten its reputation and customer wellbeing.
