Dumplings & Baos, a Chinese restaurant on Clapham Park Road in South London, appears to have permanently closed after environmental health inspectors discovered a large amount of mice droppings in its kitchen and customer areas. The restaurant received a zero out of 5 food hygiene rating following an inspection by Lambeth Council’s Environmental Health team on March 26, 2026.
Inspection findings and closure
During the inspection, officials noted pest activity in multiple areas. An inspector stated: “I noted pest activity [mice droppings] in the kitchen next to the wok cooker and next to the upright fridge, under the sinks [in] the kitchen. There were also droppings on the shelf, on food trays, under the oven and under the table in bao bun preparation area in the restaurant seating area.”
Inspectors also found noodles and cooked chicken cooling in the outside rear area, warning that this could lead to cross contamination of cooked products. The standard of cleaning in the bar area was described as “very poor,” with dirt and debris on the floor.
Voluntary closure becomes permanent
While the business initially closed voluntarily after the inspection—a common step while hygiene issues are addressed—Dumplings & Baos now appears to have ceased trading for good. The restaurant’s phone number is no longer operational, and its Google listing marks it as ‘permanently closed.’
According to a report released after a Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the premises was voluntarily closed due to the large amount of mice droppings found in the kitchen and food preparation areas. The report noted that inspectors instructed the restaurant to carry out several immediate improvements, including cleaning and disinfecting all affected areas and ensuring all food is kept inside while cooling.
Past reputation and public reaction
Despite the hygiene issues, Dumplings & Baos had a 4.7 average rating out of 5 from 468 reviews on Google. The closure has surprised some patrons, though no official statement from the restaurant has been issued.
