The Botanist in Liverpool ONE has received a new four-star food hygiene rating following a recent visit from environmental health officers (EHOs). The update comes after the venue was previously handed the lowest possible rating by the Food Standards Agency.
The ECHO previously reported how, on Friday, January 16, The Botanist, located at the top of the city centre shopping complex, was given a zero rating. The venue was said to need “urgent improvement” across three categories: hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, and management of food safety.
At the time, the company said that upon receiving information about “alleged pest activity” in the restaurant, it decided to close the Kenyon's Steps site. The restaurant closed until Monday, January 26, before reopening and greeting customers again. The ECHO also approached Liverpool ONE, which declined to comment.
Investigation and response
Following this, the ECHO requested the investigation report from Liverpool City Council through a Freedom of Information request. However, the council confirmed that this wasn’t possible as the premises were “subject to an ongoing investigation”.
At the time, a spokesperson from The Botanist told the ECHO: “In January, we took the decision to voluntarily close our Liverpool ONE restaurant following alleged pest activity.
“Since that time, we have undertaken a number of proactive, corrective actions and reopened the restaurant a few days later. We have been in communication with EHO [environmental health officers] throughout and now look forward to welcoming them back for a follow-up inspection and an updated rating.”
New rating and commitment
Now, the team are enjoying a new four-star hygiene rating. A spokesperson told the ECHO: “We are pleased to have received an updated 4-star food hygiene rating at our Liverpool ONE site, following a recent visit from the EHO. We take food hygiene and safety seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards across the restaurant.”
The lively botanical-themed bar and restaurant, located on Chavasse Park, provides casual dining, drinks and entertainment in a distinctive garden-inspired venue.
Liverpool Council’s environmental health service conducts food hygiene inspections to ensure food served to the public is safe to eat. Officers can turn up unannounced and can take food samples and photographs to support any investigation. Unless there is an immediate risk to health, businesses that receive bad ratings are given time to make changes so that things improve. They can also ask to be re-inspected or appeal the verdict handed down by officials.
The Botanist can also be found at the Albert Dock at Britannia Pavilion. According to the same agency reports online, this venue received a five out of five rating after an inspection on Sunday, January 22, 2026.
