An upmarket Italian restaurant in the heart of Westminster has been slapped with the lowest possible food hygiene rating after inspectors uncovered multiple concerning practices during a recent visit.
The Damning Verdict
Don Ciccio, located on Horseferry Road near the Houses of Parliament, received a zero-star 'major improvement necessary' rating following an inspection by Westminster City Council officials. The establishment, which serves traditional Italian cuisine in an elegant setting, failed to meet basic food safety standards across several critical areas.
What Went Wrong?
According to the official Food Standards Agency report, inspectors identified significant issues that contributed to the poor rating:
- Hygienic food handling - Concerns about how food was prepared, cooked, and stored
- Cleanliness and condition of facilities - Issues with the overall maintenance and cleaning of the premises
- Food safety management - Inadequate systems to ensure food remains safe throughout preparation and service
The restaurant's management has been ordered to make immediate and substantial improvements to address these critical food safety failures.
Location Concerns
The restaurant's Westminster location places it in close proximity to numerous government buildings and tourist attractions, raising concerns about the potential impact on both local workers and visitors to the area. The zero-star rating represents the lowest possible score on the Food Standards Agency's hygiene scale.
Industry Implications
This case highlights the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality sector in maintaining consistent food safety standards. Restaurant owners across London will be watching closely to see how Don Ciccio addresses these serious hygiene concerns and whether they can successfully regain customer confidence.
The restaurant management has been approached for comment regarding the inspection findings and their plans for improvement.
